Country French Potato Leek Soup

Well, it's starting to get a bit chilly now and then in my neck of the woods, so potato soup sounded like just the thing.  It's VERY simple to make, and the hubby keeps asking if there are still leftovers. :)

Country French Potato Leek Soup

5 medium russet potatoes, diced
6 cups milk (I used whole milk; you could sub in lighter milk or cream for part of it to make a healthier or richer soup)
3 leeks, sliced into 1/2 inch rings, and washed well
1 T. minced garlic
1 1/2 T. herbes de provence (If you're not a fan of lavender, look for French herbes de provence; typically lavender is only included in American made herbes de provence.)
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 T. olive oil


In a medium to large sized stock pot (I use my 6 quart dutch oven), sweat the leeks over medium heat with the garlic and a little salt.  Once leeks look mostly translucent, add the potatoes and milk and slowly bring to a boil. 

Simmer, stirring occasionally, until potatoes can be easily pierced with a fork. Add the herbes de provence, the salt, and the pepper and leave over low heat for 5 minutes.  

Use an immersion blender to blend up the soup to whatever consistency you prefer.  I generally like to leave some potato and leek pieces whole, so I blend one side of the pot only. Makes 6 generous servings.