Brotchan Foltchep - Potato & Leek Soup

Annacia's Note:

This traditional leak and oatmeal soup has been served in Ireland for generations. Most cooks now prefer to combine leeks with potatoes, however, to make this perennial favorite. This recipe is also called Brotchan Roy meaning "A broth fit for a king". The word "roy" is derived from Ri - the Irish word for King. Savory hot biscuits are a fine accompaniment for soup. Add the herb seasoning of your choice to your biscuit mix before adding the liquid.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
• Prep Time: 45 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 12

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 lbs boiling potatoes , peeled and chopped large
• 1 lb leek , washed and sliced (white and pale green parts only)
• 1 onion , chopped
• 1 celery , sliced
• 5 cups homemade chicken stock
• 2 ½ cups milk
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
• salt
• white pepper
• ½ cup half-and-half
• ¼ cup chopped fresh chives

Directions:

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the vegetables, cover and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Add the stock or broth, one-half cup of the milk, the bay leaf, parsley, salt and pepper.
4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until the vegetables are tender, 25 to 30 minutes.
5. Discard the bay leaf, and let the soup cool for 10 to 15 minutes.
6. Transfer to a blender or food processor in batches and process until smooth.
7. Heat the puree in the saucepan over medium heat and stir in the remaining 2 cups milk.
8. Heat through, ladle the soup into bowls, and swirl in a tablespoon of half-and-half into each serving.
9. Sprinkle with the chives.

Reviews

[duonyte]

I made half the recipe, but two of us polished off the pot. I used evaporated milk instead of plain milk, so did not bother with the half and half, but did add a dollop of sour cream as a garnish. No celery, so used some celery flakes. A really nice soup, and an added bonus is that is uses pantry ingredients.

[Boomette]

I love leek soup and this one is great. Easy to do. I used dry parsley. And I was wondering, for the celery is it a whole celery? I was not sure. I used no-sodium chicken stock and added no-salt seasoning. Thanks Annacia. Made for Holiday tag.

[bluemoon downunder]

I was tempted to halve the recipe and I'm so glad I didn't as it was creamy and flavoursome and we were pleased to have several portions to stash in the freezer. The instructions were wonderfully clear, and using a stick blender simplified steps 6 & 7 considerably: a must-have small appliance if you make a lot of soups and don't have one. In step 7, I used half milk and half Greek yoghurt, and since I've never seen anything called half-and-half for sale here, I also used yoghurt again in step 8. The only addition I made was about 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg in step 7. A delicious soup I thoroughly recommend: an excellent winter warmer! Thanks for sharing this recipe, Annacia! Made for Newest Zaar Tag.