Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 large leek, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups (1.4L) vegetable broth (or chicken broth, if preferred)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1.5 pounds (680g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 medium head green cabbage (or kale), thinly shredded (about 4 cups)
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- Chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional)
- Extra crispy bacon crumbles (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook chopped bacon in the pot until crispy. Remove and set aside, reserving the bacon fat in the pot.
- Sauté leeks and garlic in the bacon fat until softened.
- Add the vegetable broth, potatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the shredded cabbage (or kale) and cook until it wilts and softens.
- Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup for a creamier texture (or leave chunky).
- Stir in the heavy cream and heat through. Do not boil.
- Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with crispy bacon and fresh herbs.