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Leek and Carrot Velouté

17/11/2023

The leek and carrot velouté is a warm and comforting dish, perfect for cooler days. Here’s how to prepare it:

Ingredients

  • 3 medium-sized leeks (only the white part and the lighter green part)
  • 5 medium carrots
  • 1 medium potato
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • 1 liter of vegetable broth (you could also use water if you prefer a more delicate taste)
  • 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • (Optional) A pinch of thyme or chopped chives for garnish
  • (Optional) Fresh cream or a bit of milk to make the velouté creamier

Preparation

  1. Start by washing the leeks and carrots thoroughly. Slice the leeks into rings, being careful to remove any residue of soil between the layers. Peel the carrots and potato and chop them into small pieces to ensure even cooking.

  2. In a large pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil and add the whole garlic clove (which you can remove at the end of cooking if you prefer a more delicate flavor).

  3. Add the sliced leeks and sauté for a few minutes until they become translucent and soft.

  4. Add the chopped carrots and potato, mix for a couple of minutes together with the leeks.

  5. Pour the vegetable broth into the pot until the vegetables are covered (add water if necessary).

  6. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let simmer with the lid on for about 20-30 minutes, until all the vegetables are tender.

  7. Once the vegetables are cooked, remove the garlic (if you left it whole) and blend everything with an immersion blender until it is smooth and velvety.

  8. If you wish, season with salt and pepper, and for an even creamier consistency, add some fresh cream or milk and mix well.

  9. Serve the velouté warm, with a drizzle of raw extra virgin olive oil and, if you like, with a pinch of thyme or chopped chives to enhance the flavor.

Curiosity

A velouté is a type of creamy soup highly appreciated in Italian cuisine; it differs from a cream soup by its more fluid consistency and the use of less flour or thickeners. It is a versatile dish that can be made with different types of vegetables, following seasonality and personal preferences.

Leek and Carrot Velouté