Spiced Leek and Potato Soup
Golden, comforting, and gently spiced – a bowl of goodness to warm you from the inside out.

10 mins

35 mins

129kcals

serves 4

Photo credit: Chris Terry
Spiced leek and potato soup recipe
This spiced leek and potato soup is a delicious twist on a classic. Creamy potatoes, sweet leeks and onions are gently simmered with warming spices like turmeric, cumin and ginger, then blended into a velvety, golden soup.
At just 129 calories per serving, it’s light yet satisfying, slimming-friendly, and perfect for a quick lunch or cosy dinner. Ready in under 45 minutes (10 minutes prep + 35 minutes cook), this healthy soup is an easy one-pot winner for any day of the week
In this post
- What is spiced leek & potato soup?
- Why you’ll love this recipe
- Ingredients you will need
- Step-by-step instructions
- Variations and substitutions
- Serving suggestions
- Storing & reheating
- FAQ
- Recipe
What is spiced leek & potato soup?
Leek and potato soup is a well-loved classic in British cooking, known for its creamy texture and mild, comforting flavour. This version takes it up a notch with the addition of warming spices like turmeric, cumin and ginger, which add depth, colour, and a subtle kick.
It’s the perfect winter warmer: cosy, budget-friendly and nourishing.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Slimming-friendly – just 129 calories per serving, perfect for healthy eating plans.
- Quick & easy – ready in around 45 minutes total.
- Warming & comforting – aromatic spices make it ideal for chilly days.
- Budget-friendly – made with simple, affordable ingredients.
- Versatile – works as a light starter, hearty lunch, or dinner with sides.
Variations and substitutions
- Creamier soup – stir in a splash of coconut milk, crème fraîche or cream before blending.
- Extra veggies – add carrots, parsnips or celery to bulk it up.
- Spice it up – add a pinch of chilli flakes or cayenne if you like more heat.
- Protein boost – stir in cooked lentils or chickpeas before serving.
- Chunky version – instead of blending completely, leave half the soup chunky for more texture.
Serving suggestions
This soup is hearty on its own, but you can make it into a complete meal with:
- A slice of warm crusty bread, naan or wholemeal pitta bread.
- A topping of Greek yoghurt or crème fraîche for creaminess.
- Toasted pumpkin seeds or croutons for crunch.
Storing & reheating
- Fridge – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer – Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat – Warm gently in a saucepan, stirring well. Add a splash of stock or water if it thickens too much.
Frequently asked questions about spiced leek & potato soup
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavours deepen.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No – if using thin-skinned potatoes, just scrub them well. Peeling is optional.
Can I make this soup without blending?
Yes – it will be more of a chunky broth-style soup, which is still delicious.
Is this soup vegan?
Yes, if you use vegetable stock and avoid dairy toppings.
How does Spiced leek and potato soup work on Slimming World?
This Spiced leek and potato soup is an absolutely fantastic syn free meal if you are following Slimming World. It’s packed full of healthy vegetables (speed foods) so it’s the perfect bowl of nourishing comfort food. If you are using spray oil then there may be some syns (usually around 1/2 syn for 6 sprays), so this is very little when split between 4 people.
Spiced Leek and Potato Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Take a simple leek and potato soup to a new level with some warming spices: lovely, nutritious comfort food.
Ingredients
spray oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 medium leeks, trimmed and sliced
2 medium potatoes, peeled and finely chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon salt
750ml (1 pint 7fl oz) hot vegetable stock
To serve: sprinkling of smoked paprika, black pepper
Instructions
1. Spray a large saucepan with oil and fry the onion, leeks and potatoes over a high heat for 2 minutes.
2. Stir in the garlic, reduce the heat to low, pop the lid on the pan and leave it gently sizzling and sweating for 15 minutes, stirring it halfway through to prevent any sticking.
3. Remove the lid, increase the heat, add the spices and salt and stir through for about 30 seconds until you can smell the spices. Pour in the hot stock and allow to simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Use a hand blender to blend the soup to a smooth consistency.
5. Serve sprinkled with a little smoked paprika, just for a pop of colour, and pepper.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Easy







