Monday, October 29, 2012

Creamy Potato and Leek Soup...and Hunkering for Sandy


As you read this, we are in the process of hunkering. I'm not sure I've ever fully understood the meaning of that word but we've been instructed to hunker down so we're giving it our best shot. As most of you know, we live in New York and, consequently, are in the path of Hurricane Sandy. No, we won't take the biggest hit but she's definitely coming to call. There have been mandatory evacuations in the most flood prone areas but we are fortunate enough to be safely ensconced on a high floor of a solid brick hi-rise building. Nevertheless, the city's hurricane prep affects us as well. As of 7:00 pm last night, all trains and buses have been suspended and we're told that bridges will be open only on a case by case basis depending on wind speeds. Schools and offices are closed.

New Yorkers have been advised to stock up on food and supplies, stay home and hunker down. OK, then. We endured the "panic shopping" frenzy at our local supermarket because there always seems to be something we're in the mood for. Although if we were to take a good inventory of our fridge and pantry, I'm sure we'd find enough calories to survive through several hurricanes and a few snow storms. But I had been wanting to make a pot of soup and it does seem like such perfect hunkering down food.

I really like this recipe because it's quite easy, healthy, filling and makes a lot of soup. We have enough soup, in fact, for the entire hunkering duration. For those unfortunate folks who are in harm's way from this storm or whose homes will be threatened, we have the greatest sympathy. But while the pounding and howling of the storm's winds outside is eerie, we are very grateful to be safe and warm and dry. Hadley is peacefully napping on her blanket on the couch and Brian and I are comfortably tucked under a comforter, watching TV reporters on stormy beaches and eating this delicious soup. Enjoy and be safe!

Ingredients
3 Leeks, thoroughly washed and sliced
1 Tablespoon olive oil
5 - 6 Baking potatoes, peeled and cut into bite size pieces
3 - 4 Cans (14 oz. each) low fat, low sodium chicken stock
1 Cup low fat milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional garnishes:  croutons, bacon, cheddar cheese, scallions or chives

Add the olive oil and leeks to a Dutch oven or other large stock pot and cook on medium low for approximately 10 minutes or until the leeks are translucent but not browned. Add the potatoes to the pot along with enough chicken stock to cover them. Bring to a boil and cook for approximately 20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork tender.

Working in batches, add the soup to a blender or food processor and puree. Be careful not to overfill or the hot liquid will leak out of the blender. Puree most of the soup but leave some potato pieces intact, if you like. Place the soup back in the stock pot and turn the heat to medium. Add the milk and season with salt and pepper. Without the milk the soup will be extremely thick. Add more or less as you desire. The soup will also thicken in the refrigerator overnight so add more milk or water to thin it out to your desired consistency. Garnish as desired and serve hot. Makes approximately 10 servings.

20 comments:

  1. Not a bad exercise for a foodie! (given low risk and little damage). Stay safe.

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  2. So far so good for us too. This soup totally does look like perfect "hunkering down" food ;)

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  3. Anita, I saw this earlier on G+ and had to come over for a closer look. I'd hunker down too with a pot of this on the stove...accessible ingredients that come together easily. Thank you for sharing the recipe and be well through the storm.

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  4. Anita,
    I can't think of a better way to hunker down, than to make this yummy comfort food soup. My Mom used to make potato soup, so I ate a lot of it as a child.

    Stay safe, and eat lots of soup!

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  5. And here I thought I was the only one who didn't understand the phrase "hunker down." My girlfriend and I were just talking about this. We're hunkering in our basement, praying that our power doesn't go out and $200 worth of food doesn't go to waste (all purchased way before ever knowing about the storm). I have muffins to hunker down with, but I'd sure like some of this soup. Stay safe, Anita. I'll come get you in my boat if you need me to. I'll bring martinis. They're great for stressful situations.

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  6. Mmmmm...perfect soup for hunkering down. I'm glad you'll be safe...hope you keep power.

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  7. Looks lovely and comforting! As for "hunkering" - I thought it was funny to hear Governors and Mayor on the east coast using such a southern word! I hope you guys are safe, warm, and dry!

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  8. Hope you guys are ok. I been watching weather channel live and it's not pretty. Stay safe.

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  9. Stay safe! As for the soup, you two are in good company! I asked my husband if we could have a midwest hurricane break from work, minus the hurricane of course. Hunkering down with soup and good cocktails souds good to me.

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  10. It's a classic soup, I hear a lot about it! But can you believe it I have never tried it! :) Looks so creamy and delicious!

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  11. I live in upstate New York near the lake so I understand the "hundering down". Stay safe! Soup looks yummy :)

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  12. I'd hunker down to a bowl of that! Hope you are safe and dry.

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  13. I hope you made it out OK. Panic shopping could be the understatement of the year. Shelves were barren all over the Connecticut shore. This soup looks wonderful. We lost power and have been eating cold all day :)

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  14. Hi Anita, You've been on my mind, knowing that you live in New York, and that you've had power outage all over, and the bad storm, and flooding! Sandy left S. Florida by last Saturday, and know that it came directly in your path!

    Hunkering down is the 'best way' and what better way than with such a delicious and comforting soup. Love your recipe and bookmarking it:) xo

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  15. We were hunkered down in DC. Wish I had this soup with me during the storm!

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  16. Hope you faired well through the storm and hunkered down. This soup looks wonderful and tasty. Thanks for sharing on Foodie Friends Friday and I hope you join us again.

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  17. My husbands a big potato/leek soup fan. Granted by the time he made the soup the leeks would be bad so I found this recipe on Pinterets and made it up myself with home made Veggie Stock. I love the thickness of this recipe. Its a keeper. :) Now my husband can buy all the leeks he wants for soup I know a good soup recipe thats quick.

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  18. I’m so excited to see this recipe for potato soup – I’ve been searching for a good one for forever!

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