Sweet Potato, Leek, Parsnip & Bean Soup - an easy gluten-free, vegan recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why is my leek and potato soup bland? ›

Although leeks are known for its powerful taste, your potato and leek soup can occasionally come out bland. The reasons are usually two: you didn't season your soup at all, worrying it might be too salty because of the leeks; or you added to much water for the stock.

Why is my potato leek soup gummy? Potatoes should be diced in similar size so they cook evenly, but don't drive yourself crazy getting them teeny-tiny. If they're too small, you risk the potatoes releasing too much starch, which can make the soup gummy when pureed.

There is something so warm and comforting about a big bowl of hot and creamy potato leek soup on a fall day. It's one of those heartwarming soups that bring back pleasant childhood memories for many people. It's also a recipe you can make gluten-free with ease and prepare with only a few ingredients.

**Herbs and Spices:** Use a variety of herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary, oregano, bay leaves, cumin, coriander, or smoked paprika to enhance the taste. 3. **Broth or Stock:** Choose a flavorful broth or stock as the soup base. Vegetable, mushroom, or a combination of vegetable and chicken broth can add depth.

Add acidic ingredients.

Foods that have a great deal of acidity, like lemon juice, vinegar, white wine, and tomato puree, can help liven up the flavor of bland-tasting bone and other broths. "The acidity of these ingredients works to complement and enhance the broth's flavors, not mask it.

Add flour or cornflour

Put a tablespoon of either into a small bowl and stir in 2-3 tbsp of the soup until you have a smooth mixture. Stir this back into the soup and bring it to a simmer. Cook for a few minutes to allow the starch granules to burst to thicken, and to cook out any flour flavour.

Add the leeks to the pot, lowering the heat if necessary and saute for 10-15 minutes , or until soft and translucent. Be careful not to burn the leeks, as they will impart a bitter taste to the soup. The excess liquid from cleaning the leeks should help prevent any burning.

Sautéing leeks before adding them to the soup can enhance their flavor and bring out their sweetness. Heat some oil or butter in a pan, then add the sliced leeks. Cook them over medium heat until they become soft and slightly caramelized. This step adds depth of flavor to your soup.

Parboiling: If you want faster-cooking potatoes or a thicker soup, consider parboiling them before adding them to the main pot. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the potatoes, and cook for 5-10 minutes until partially tender. Drain and then add them to your simmering soup for finishing.

How do you keep sweet potatoes from getting mushy in soup? ›

Don't overcook the vegetables. One of the main reasons that vegetables become soggy when cooked in broth or soup stock is that they are overcooked. To prevent this, try to cook your vegetables until they are just tender but still firm. This will help them retain their shape and texture.

It looks as though some of your potatoes might have got a bit scorched. Did you fry them off before adding the liquid? The colour from the browned potatoes could be what is turning it brown.

Pacific Foods Organic Vegetable Broth is a perfect start to soups and side dishes. We've simmered savory leeks, onions and garlic, adding carrots, celery and vine-ripened tomatoes for garden fresh flavor. Fat-free and gluten-free, and is great for vegetarian and vegan diets.

Campbell's® Cream of Chicken Gluten Free Soup starts with high-quality chicken stock, fresh cream and tender chicken raised without antibiotics for deliciously smooth flavor.

“Many prepared soups include barley or couscous, or use flour as a thickener,” explains Michelle Pasia, MPH, RDN, Clinical Coordinator at the Kogan Celiac Center at the Barnabas Health Ambulatory Care Center. “Others use bouillon as a base, which can contain gluten as well.”

Your potato soup is bland? Try adding a little more salt. That's usually the answer to any issue of blandness, no matter the recipe in question. A basic Appalachian style potato soup uses only a handful of simple ingredients, leaning on milk and water and often bouillon to create the brothy soup base.

Cheese: I recommend a good sharp cheddar cheese here for maximum flavor. Greek yogurt or sour cream: To make the soup extra-creamy. Salt and pepper: Add in as much as you need at the end to season your soup well.

The most common reason your soup doesn't taste that great is because it's missing a brightening element. Soup can be heavy, creamy, and rich (that's why we love it so much). But too much richness tastes flat. Almost every bowl of soup can benefit from a zippy and fresh addition.

Garlic and onions will bolster the taste of bean soup. Be sure to take a portion of the beans and mash or purée them for extra texture. Aromatics like celery or carrot will add more complex flavor notes. Despite being expensive, both mushrooms and Parmesan cheese will add some real umami (i.e., mouth feel) to the soup.