Porrusalda

Serves: 8 | Prep: 15 min | Cook: 55 min

Traditional Basque leek and potato soup — simple, hearty, and warming.

Ingredients

  • 10 large leeks, white and pale green parts only, sliced into rounds and rinsed well
  • 3 kg potatoes, broken into rough chunks (press with thumb against knife edge — don’t cut cleanly; rough edges release more starch)
  • 3 carrots, diced
  • 6 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 L vegetable broth or water
  • Salt & pepper
  • Fresh parsley, crusty bread for serving

Instructions

  1. Sauté leeks in olive oil with a pinch of salt for 8–10 minutes until softened.
  2. Add garlic and carrots; cook 3 minutes.
  3. Add potato chunks, bay leaves, and broth. Bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat and simmer covered for 40–50 minutes until potatoes are very tender.
  5. Remove bay leaves. Optionally blend a small portion for a creamier texture.
  6. Season generously. Serve with crusty bread and a drizzle of olive oil.