Ingredients
- 2 medium leeks, chopped and rinsed well
- 2 lbs diced golden potatoes (or red + golden new potatoes)
- 2 bay leaves
- 5 cups water (or vegetable stock)
- 1 bunch fresh dill, roughly chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- Cashew Sour Cream:
- 1 cup raw cashew pieces
- 1/3 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/3 cup water
Instructions
- Trim, chop, and rinse the leeks in a large bowl of cold water. Let the dirt sink to the bottom while the leeks float. Scoop leeks out by hand and transfer to a heavy-bottomed soup pot.
- Preheat the pot over medium heat. Add the wet leeks and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the leeks collapse and begin to caramelize. Add a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
- Add the diced potatoes and bay leaves. Pour in 5 cups of water (or vegetable stock) and bring to a gentle boil.
- Season generously with salt. Partially cover and simmer until potatoes are soft but still hold their shape.
- Remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh dill.
- Prepare the cashew sour cream: Blend cashews, lemon juice, and water until completely smooth. (Soak cashews in hot water for 20 minutes first if not using a high-speed blender.)
- Stir half of the cashew sour cream into the soup. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve the soup hot, with the remaining sour cream on the side for drizzling.
Notes
- Use Yukon gold or red new potatoes—no need to peel.
- Fresh dill is essential. Use the whole bunch for maximum flavor. Don’t substitute dried dill.
- Keep this soup oil-free by sautéing leeks in water or broth instead of oil.
- For added richness, add more cashew sour cream or a splash of plant-based milk before serving.
- Prep Time: 55 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 43mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 0mg