Dutch Leek Soup

Delicious Dutch Leek Soup Recipe from the Netherlands

Region / culture: Netherlands | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Dutch Leek Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. This soup is made with simple ingredients like leeks, milk, and cheese, but the flavors come together to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

History

Leek soup has been a popular dish in Dutch cuisine for centuries. Leeks are a staple vegetable in Dutch cooking, and they are often used in soups, stews, and other dishes. This soup is a classic recipe that has been passed down through generations of Dutch families.

Ingredients

0.75 cup of whole wheat flour
2 cubes of bouillon
2 qt (1.89 liter) of water
1 cup of milk
0.13 tsp of ground mace
5 leeks, cleaned and chopped
0.25 cup of whipping cream
2 cups of shredded edam or gouda cheese

How to prepare

Blend the flour, bouillon cubes, and water together. Stir in the milk and mace.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to simmer for 10 minutes. Add the leeks and cream, and continue simmering for another 10 minutes.
Serve the soup with cheese at the table.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or bacon for extra protein.
Use vegetable broth instead of water for a richer flavor.
Stir in some cooked potatoes or carrots for added texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to thoroughly clean the leeks before chopping them, as they can often have dirt trapped between the layers.

- For a creamier soup, you can blend some of the cooked leeks before adding them back to the pot.

- Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more mace or salt as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Dutch Leek Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. You can also top the soup with croutons or fresh herbs for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to simmer the soup gently to allow the flavors to develop.

- Stir the soup occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use regular all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour.

- Substitute half-and-half for the whipping cream for a lighter version of the soup.

- Use any type of cheese you prefer for topping the soup.

Make Ahead Tips

Dutch Leek Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant presentation. Serve in individual bowls with a side of bread for dipping.

Pairing Recommendations

Dutch Leek Soup pairs well with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light lager beer. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving with sparkling water or herbal tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Dutch Leek Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or water to thin out the soup if needed.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Dutch Leek Soup contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Dutch Leek Soup contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Dutch Leek Soup contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Dutch Leek Soup contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Leeks are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and manganese.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk, cream, cheese) and wheat (flour), so it may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Dutch Leek Soup is a nutritious and filling dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for a meal.

Summary

Dutch Leek Soup is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy meal at home. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the rich flavors and hearty texture of this delicious Dutch recipe!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. It was a cold winter day, and I had just come home from a long day at work. My fingers were numb from the chill, and all I wanted was a warm, comforting meal to fill my belly. As I rummaged through my old recipe box, I stumbled upon a faded index card with the words "Dutch Leek Soup" scrawled across it in my grandmother's elegant handwriting.

I remembered my grandmother making this soup for me when I was a child. It was a special treat she would whip up on rainy days to chase away the gloom. The memory of the warm, savory broth filled with tender leeks and potatoes flooded back to me, and I knew I had to make it that night.

I gathered the ingredients - leeks, potatoes, chicken broth, butter, and cream - and set to work in the kitchen. As I chopped the leeks and peeled the potatoes, I couldn't help but think of my grandmother and how she had learned to make this soup. I knew that she had acquired the recipe from a friend who had lived in the Netherlands, but beyond that, the origins of the dish were a mystery.

As the soup simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with its rich aroma, I sat down at the table and closed my eyes. I could almost hear my grandmother's voice guiding me through the recipe, her hands deftly stirring the pot as she shared stories of her own childhood.

She told me about how she had first tasted Dutch Leek Soup when she was a young girl, visiting her friend's house for dinner. The soup had been a revelation to her - simple yet flavorful, hearty yet light. She had asked for the recipe, and her friend had gladly shared it with her, passing down a piece of her culture and heritage in the process.

My grandmother had tweaked the recipe over the years, adding her own special touches to make it truly her own. She had taught me how to make it when I was a teenager, and now, as I sat at the table with a steaming bowl of soup in front of me, I felt a deep connection to her and to the generations of women who had come before us.

As I took my first spoonful of the soup, I closed my eyes and let the flavors wash over me. The silky leeks, the creamy potatoes, the rich broth - it was like a warm hug from my grandmother, wrapping me in a cocoon of love and comfort. I savored each bite, feeling the warmth spread through my body and chase away the chill of the day.

I finished the last spoonful of soup and sat back in my chair, feeling content and satisfied. The Dutch Leek Soup had done its job, filling me with nourishment and love. I knew that I would make this soup again and again, passing down the recipe to future generations and keeping alive the tradition that my grandmother had started so many years ago.

As I cleaned up the kitchen and put away the leftovers, I felt a sense of peace settle over me. The recipe for Dutch Leek Soup was more than just a list of ingredients and instructions - it was a link to my past, a connection to my roots, a reminder of the love and care that had been passed down through the generations. And as I turned off the lights and headed to bed, I knew that my grandmother was smiling down on me, proud of the cook I had become and the love I had poured into her cherished recipe.