Leek and potato soup has long been a staple in my kitchen, but it wasn’t until I stumbled upon the Hairy Bikers’ version that I truly fell in love with it.
I remember watching one of their episodes on a rainy Sunday afternoon cuppa in hand, blanket wrapped around me and they were cooking outdoors, braving the elements with hearty laughter and steaming bowls of soup.
That scene stuck with me. There was something so grounding about the way they made this simple, rustic dish feel like an occasion.
So, of course, I had to try it myself.
The first time I made the Hairy Bikers’ Leek and Potato Soup, I was surprised at how robust the flavors were despite using just a few ingredients.
It was creamy without needing a lot of cream, filling without being heavy, and wonderfully comforting. It reminded me that the best meals often come from the humblest of roots quite literally, in this case.
Since then, this soup has become a recurring favorite in our home. Whether it’s a chilly winter evening or I just want something soothing after a long day, this recipe never fails me.
I’ve made small tweaks over the years adding garlic here, a little smoked paprika there but the heart of the dish always reflects that Hairy Bikers magic: honest food made with love.
So, if you’re looking for a cozy, no-fuss recipe that tastes like it’s been simmering in a countryside cottage all day, this is the one.
Let me show you how I make it, step by step, just the way I learned from those two cheerful biker chefs who know a thing or two about comfort food.
What is Hairy Bikers Leek and Potato Soup?
Hairy Bikers Leek and Potato Soup is a hearty, traditional British soup made from sautéed leeks, onions, and potatoes simmered in a flavorful stock. The soup is blended for a smooth, velvety texture and often finished with a splash of cream or milk. True to the Hairy Bikers’ style, it’s simple, satisfying, and packed with down-to-earth flavor.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because:
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It’s incredibly easy and beginner-friendly.
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It uses affordable, everyday ingredients.
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It’s creamy, comforting, and full of flavor.
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It’s perfect for meal prep and freezing.
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It’s a crowd-pleaser for both adults and kids.
Whether you’re looking to recreate classic British comfort food or just want a go-to soup recipe, this one delivers every time.
Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Leek and Potato Soup
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2 large leeks (cleaned and finely sliced)
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1 medium onion (chopped)
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2 tablespoons butter
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
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1 garlic clove (optional, minced)
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4 cups vegetable or chicken stock
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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½ cup milk or single cream (optional)
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Chopped parsley or chives (for garnish)
Instructions to Make Hairy Bikers Leek and Potato Soup
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Prepare the Vegetables
Begin by washing your leeks thoroughly. Slice them into thin rounds, including the pale green parts. Peel and dice your potatoes, and chop the onion finely. If using garlic, mince that as well. -
Sauté the Base
In a large saucepan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and leeks. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and fragrant but not browned. Add the garlic in the last minute of cooking. -
Add the Potatoes and Stock
Stir in the diced potatoes, then pour in the stock. Bring everything to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the potatoes are very soft. -
Blend the Soup
Remove from heat. Use an immersion blender to blend until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend only half the mixture and leave the rest as is. -
Finish and Season
Stir in the milk or cream if using, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Warm through gently without letting it boil. -
Serve
Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley or chives, and serve hot with crusty bread.
Hairy Bikers Leek and Potato Soup
Ingredients
- 2 large leeks cleaned and finely sliced
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium potatoes peeled and diced
- 1 garlic clove optional, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken stock
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup milk or single cream optional
- Chopped parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by washing your leeks thoroughly. Slice them into thin rounds, including the pale green parts. Peel and dice your potatoes, and chop the onion finely. If using garlic, mince that as well.
- Sauté the Base: In a large saucepan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and leeks. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and fragrant but not browned. Add the garlic in the last minute of cooking.
- Add the Potatoes and Stock: Stir in the diced potatoes, then pour in the stock. Bring everything to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the potatoes are very soft.
- Blend the Soup: Remove from heat. Use an immersion blender to blend until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend only half the mixture and leave the rest as is.
- Finish and Season: Stir in the milk or cream if using, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Warm through gently without letting it boil.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley or chives, and serve hot with crusty bread.
Notes
Nutritional Value (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 190
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
What Goes Well With Hairy Bikers Leek and Potato Soup
This soup is incredibly versatile. Try serving it with:
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Warm crusty bread or buttered sourdough
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A sharp cheddar cheese toastie
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Garlic croutons for crunch
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A simple green salad with vinaigrette
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A drizzle of truffle oil or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for added depth
My Tips to Make the Best Hairy Bikers Leek and Potato Soup
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Clean the leeks thoroughly they trap a lot of grit!
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Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for a smoother texture.
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Sauté slowly to develop flavor; don’t rush the leeks and onions.
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Blend in batches if needed, and always be careful when blending hot liquids.
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Use a good-quality stock it makes a huge difference in flavor.
Easy Variations of Hairy Bikers Leek and Potato Soup
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Make it vegan: Use only olive oil and skip the cream.
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Add spice: A pinch of nutmeg or a dash of cayenne adds warmth.
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Chunky style: Reserve half the soup unblended for a heartier texture.
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Cheesy upgrade: Stir in some grated mature cheddar for richness.
Best Way to Store Hairy Bikers Leek and Potato Soup
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Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
Tip: If you’re planning to freeze it, leave out the cream or milk and add it after reheating.
Nutritional Value (Approximate, per serving)
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Calories: 190
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Carbohydrates: 24g
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Protein: 3g
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Fat: 9g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sodium: 450mg
Note: Will vary based on your ingredients and serving size.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Use olive oil instead of butter, and skip the cream or use a plant-based milk.
Q: Do I need to peel the potatoes?
For a smoother soup, yes. But if you like it rustic, you can leave the skins on just wash them well.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
Definitely. This soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.
Q: Can I use frozen leeks?
Yes, frozen leeks work well just thaw and drain them before use.
Conclusion
Every bowl of this Hairy Bikers Leek and Potato Soup brings back memories of that rainy afternoon when I first saw the recipe come to life on TV. There’s something about watching two hearty men cook in the great outdoors, laughing over boiling pots, that makes you want to get in the kitchen and recreate a bit of that joy yourself. And that’s exactly what I did and continue to do season after season.
This soup has become a kind of ritual in my kitchen. I pull out the big pot, chop the leeks, and let the aroma of butter and onions fill the room. There’s comfort in the rhythm, in the gentle bubbling of stock, in the swirl of steam as I blend it smooth. It’s cooking at its most grounding.
More than anything, I love how forgiving this soup is. Whether I’m low on ingredients or want to use up a few tired-looking potatoes, this recipe always delivers. I’ve served it on busy weeknights, at family gatherings, and even for solo lunches when I need a little moment of peace in the middle of a hectic day.
If you’re looking for a soup that’s more than just food something that feels like a warm hug and tastes like home I can’t recommend this recipe enough. The Hairy Bikers knew what they were doing with this one, and I’m so glad they shared it with the world. Now, it’s your turn to try it, tweak it, and make it your own.
And who knows maybe one day, you’ll be the one serving it to someone in need of a little comfort, just like I did.
