Irish Oatmeal Leek Soup
Warm, comforting, and a little bit unique, Irish Oatmeal Leek Soup is the perfect dish for those chilly days. This delightful soup combines the goodness of leeks and oatmeal, creating a creamy texture that's both filling and nutritious. It’s easy to make and is bound to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 4 medium leeks green tops removed and cleaned well (can substitute with onions if needed)
- 1 cup rolled oats quick oats are fine if that’s what you have
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth homemade or store-bought works well
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or any cooking oil you love
- 2 cloves garlic minced (you can also use garlic powder in a pinch)
- 1 teaspoon thyme fresh or dried
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish optional but highly recommended!
Instructions
Sauté the Leeks
- Start by slicing the leeks into thin rounds. Heat up your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the leeks and sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and become translucent. You'll know you're doing it right when your kitchen smells heavenly!
Add Garlic and Oats
- Throw in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Then, add the oats and stir everything together to coat the oats with that delicious leek mixture. The oats will start absorbing all those lovely flavors.
Add Broth & Seasonings
- Next up, pour in the broth! Bring it to a gentle boil while giving it a good stir. Add your thyme, salt, and pepper to make it even more savory. Reduce the heat and let it simmer on low for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want those oats to be tender and the flavors to meld together beautifully!
Blend for Creaminess
- Check your soup’s thickness. If you prefer it smoother, you can blend it with an immersion blender directly in the pot, or you can carefully transfer it to a regular blender (just watch out for steam!). Blend until velvety and creamy to your liking.
Serve and Enjoy!
- Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley if you like! Serve hot, ideally with some crusty bread on the side for dipping. Seriously, guys, this soup is the epitome of cozy!