Creamy Meyer Lemon Potato Leek Soup with Cannellini Beans
Shanna
A velvety smooth, tangy version of potato leek soup with the addition of Meyer lemons, roasted garlic, spicy poblano pepper and protein rich cannellini beans. A hearty and filling vegetarian winter soup.
4Leekswhite and light green parts only, sliced and rinsed well ( about 2 ½ cups)
1Shallotpeeled and diced ( about ½ cup)
1cupcelerydiced
1poblano or jalapeño pepperstem, and seeds removed, diced
½cupwhite wine4 ounces
1tablespoonMeyer lemon zest
1teaspoonkosher Salt
1teaspoonground black pepper
2lbsRed or Yukon gold potatoesscrubbed and cut into 1 inch pieces
One 15 oz can Canellini beansdrained
3sprigs fresh thyme
2Bay leaves
6cupsStockchicken or vegetable if keeping it vegetarian
½cupMeyer lemon juice
½cupHeavy cream or coconut milkoptional
Additional seasonings:
Salt
Pepper
Hot sauce
Fresh chivesminced
Instructions
Heat oven to 400 Deg F. Slice the top off a whole bulb of garlic, set on a piece of foil. Generously drizzle the cut end with olive oil and wrap tightly with the foil. Roast for 45-55 minutes or until very soft and starting to caramelize. Let cool enough to handle. Remove all of the roasted cloves and set aside. Prepare vegetables for soup while the garlic is roasting.
In a large stock pot or Dutch oven heat the oil and butter. Add the leeks and shallot and sauté until starting to soften, about 5 minutes. Add in the celery, poblano or jalapeño and sauté until those are soft as well, just a few more minutes.
Next, add in all of the roasted garlic cloves, wine, lemon zest, salt and pepper and still until the wine slightly reduces. Then add in the potatoes, beans, thyme, bay leaves and stock. Bring to a boil then lower to a simmer, place a lid on the pot and cook, stirring occasionally until the potatoes are very tender. Around 20 minutes.
Remove bay leaves and thyme and either using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth. If using a regular blender this will have to be done in batches. I use a separate bowl to pour the pureed soup into and once it is all blended then I add it all back to the cooking pot.
Stir in the lemon juice, taste and add more salt and pepper if desired. Add in cream or coconut milk for an even creamier soup. This step is optional.
Serve and garnish with freshly chopped chives and a few turns of black pepper. Serve with crusty bread and hot sauce.
Notes
If you want to make this a heartier meal you could add sautéed mushrooms or add in cooked, shredded chicken or turkey for a non-vegetarian meal.