This creamy cabbage, leek and potato soup is a silky purée of tender cabbage, potatoes, and broth finished with buttery sautéed leeks and smoky bacon. A splash of cider vinegar balances the richness to create a hearty soup that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
1headgreen cabbage (about 1-3/4 lbs)cored and chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2medium potatoes (about 1/2 lb)peeled and diced
5cupslow-sodium chicken broth
1bay leaf
2teaspoonsapple cider vinegar
1/4cupcream
1/4cupmilk
2leekssliced (see notes)
5stripsbaconcooked and crumbled
Instructions
Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add the cabbage and cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted and slightly reduced in volume, 4 to 5 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Add the potatoes, chicken broth, bay leaf, and apple cider vinegar. Increase the heat and bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cover. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage and potatoes are very tender, 25 to 30 minutes.
While the soup simmers, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the leeks (rinsed well if needed) and cook, stirring frequently, until soft and lightly sweet, 5 to 6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Stir in the milk and cream, then purée until smooth using an immersion or standard blender.Note: If using a standard blender, let the soup cool slightly and work in batches to avoid splattering.
Return the puréed soup to the pot, rewarm for a minute, then stir in the sautéed leeks and crumbled bacon. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed, then ladle into bowls and serve immediately.
Notes
About the leeks - Leeks often trap grit between their layers. To be sure they're clean, slice them first, then rinse thoroughly in a bowl of cold water and lift them out with a slotted spoon so they leave any dirt behind.