I love a good soup that feels like it was made just for me, and this Slow Cooker Leek, Fennel, and Potato Soup never disappoints. It’s creamy, earthy, and just a little bit fancy with the delicate flavor of fennel sneaking in. Make this when the weather turns chilly, and your kitchen will smell amazing all day.
Serve it with a chunk of sourdough or your favorite crackers, and you’ve got the ultimate cozy meal. Bonus: It’s perfect to freeze or keep for a quick, ready-to-heat lunch later in the week!
Jump to Recipe Print RecipeRecipe Ingredients
- 3 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
- 3 leeks, pale parts only, washed and thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
- 1 fennel bulb, halved and thinly sliced
- 800 g (1 lb 12 oz) of potatoes, cut into 4 cm (1½ in) pieces
- 1.5 liters (52 fl oz/6 cups) of vegetable stock
- 4 tbsp of raw cashews
- 2 tsp of fennel seeds, toasted and coarsely ground
- Ground fennel, chopped chives, and crusty bread, to serve
How To Make Slow Cooker Leek, Fennel and Potato Soup
- Prepare the Ingredients: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the leeks, garlic, and fennel slices for about five minutes to soften slightly.
- Assemble in the Slow Cooker: Place the sautéed vegetables into the slow cooker, then add the potatoes, vegetable stock, cashews, and toasted fennel seeds. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Start Cooking: Set the slow cooker to high and cook for five hours until the potatoes and fennel are completely tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Blend the Soup: Transfer the soup in batches to a blender or use a stick blender directly in the slow cooker. Purée until the texture is smooth and creamy.
- Check Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed to enhance the flavors.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with ground fennel and chopped chives. Serve with slices of crusty bread for dipping.
Recipe Tips
- Add extra creaminess: For a richer texture, blend a handful of cooked cauliflower or white beans along with the soup to naturally thicken it.
- Boost the flavor: Sprinkle a little smoked paprika or a dash of white wine vinegar after blending to add depth to the soup’s flavor profile.
- Go dairy-free: Skip the cream and use unsweetened almond or oat milk instead to keep the soup vegan and light.
- Switch up the toppings: Swap chives for fresh parsley, crispy fried onions, or even a sprinkle of toasted nuts for a crunchy garnish.
Recipe FAQs and Variations
Can I Use Sweet Potatoes Instead of Regular Potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes can be used in place of regular potatoes. They will add a touch of natural sweetness and a slightly softer texture to the soup.
How Long Will This Soup Last in the Fridge?
Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Absolutely! Let the soup cool completely, then freeze it in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before enjoying.
What Can I Use Instead of Fennel?
If fennel isn’t available, celery or a small amount of anise seeds can be used to mimic the flavor and texture in the soup.
Is This Soup Gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure your vegetable stock is certified gluten-free.
Check out More Recipes:
- Slow Cooker Vegetarian Borscht
- Slow Cooker Farro Minestrone
- Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Soup With Rice and Lemon
Slow Cooker Leek, Fennel and Potato Soup
Course: SoupsCuisine: VegetarianDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes5
hours210
kcalI love a good soup that feels like it was made just for me, and this Slow Cooker Leek, Fennel, and Potato Soup never disappoints. It’s creamy, earthy, and just a little bit fancy with the delicate flavor of fennel sneaking in. Make this when the weather turns chilly, and your kitchen will smell amazing all day.
Ingredients
3 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
3 leeks, pale parts only, washed and thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
1 fennel bulb, halved and thinly sliced
800 g (1 lb 12 oz) of potatoes, cut into 4 cm (1½ in) pieces
1.5 liters (52 fl oz/6 cups) of vegetable stock
4 tbsp of raw cashews
2 tsp of fennel seeds, toasted and coarsely ground
Ground fennel, chopped chives, and crusty bread, to serve
Directions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the leeks, garlic, and fennel slices for about five minutes to soften slightly.
- Assemble in the Slow Cooker: Place the sautéed vegetables into the slow cooker, then add the potatoes, vegetable stock, cashews, and toasted fennel seeds. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Start Cooking: Set the slow cooker to high and cook for five hours until the potatoes and fennel are completely tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Blend the Soup: Transfer the soup in batches to a blender or use a stick blender directly in the slow cooker. Purée until the texture is smooth and creamy.
- Check Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed to enhance the flavors.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with ground fennel and chopped chives. Serve with slices of crusty bread for dipping.
Nutrition Facts
6 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories210
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
8g
13%
- Saturated Fat 1g 5%
- Cholesterol 0mg 0%
- Sodium 550mg 23%
- Total Carbohydrate
35g
12%
- Dietary Fiber 6g 24%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 7g 15%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
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