3wholeleekstrimmed, cut in half lengthwise, rinsed and sliced
2tablespoonsbutter
6cupswater
2mediumpotatoesabout 1 pound, peeled and sliced 1/4 inch thick
2tablespoonsfresh parsley leavesminced
2wholebay leaves
1-2teaspoonskosher salt
1/4teaspoonpepper
as neededCroutons or chopped parsleyfor garnish
Instructions
In a soup pot, sauté the onion and leeks in the butter over medium heat until soft, about 10 minutes.
Add the water, potatoes, parsley, bay leaves, and 1 teaspoon of salt and bring to a boil. Lower heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer about 30 minutes or until potatoes are soft.
Remove the bay leaves. Purée the soup in a blender, in two batches, until creamy and smooth. Return the soup to the soup pot and heat gently. This soup typically needs a fair amount of salt; keep adding salt a bit at a time, tasting as you go, until the leek flavor shines through.
Add the pepper, and garnish with croutons or chopped parsley if desired.