Fire-Roasted Irish Leek and Potato Soup Recipe

There is something undeniably comforting about a classic Irish Leek and Potato soup, a dish that has warmed generations against the damp chill of the Emerald Isle. It is the kind of meal that hugs you from the inside out, offering creamy solace on a cold evening. However, taking this traditional favorite outdoors and preparing it on the Arteflame grill elevates the flavor profile to an entirely new level. By roasting the vegetables directly on the flat cooktop before simmering, we infuse the broth with a subtle, smoky char that a standard stovetop simply cannot replicate. This recipe marries the velvet texture of soft potatoes with the sweet, mellow flavor of fire-kissed leeks, creating a rustic dish that feels both timeless and excitingly adventurous. Whether you are celebrating St. Patrick's Day or just craving a hearty bowl of warmth, this fire-roasted version is sure to become a beloved backyard staple for your family.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
• 3 large leeks, white and light green parts only (cleaned thoroughly and sliced)
• 2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes (peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 3 sprigs fresh thyme)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• Fresh chives or parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• Optional: 4 slices of bacon (fried crispy and crumbled)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Grill and Vegetables

1. Begin by firing up your Arteflame grill. Aim for a medium-high heat on the flat cooktop plancha. Ensure the surface is scraped clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
2. While the grill heats up, make sure your leeks are meticulously cleaned to remove any hidden grit between the layers. Slice them into half-moons. Peel and cube your potatoes to ensure they cook evenly.

Step 2: Fire-Roast the Leeks and Garlic

1. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter directly on the flat cooktop surface.
2. Place the sliced leeks and minced garlic onto the hot butter. Sauté them, moving them around with your spatula, until the leeks are soft and have developed a nice golden-brown char on the edges. This caramelization is the secret to the soup's depth.
3. Move the leeks to the cooler outer edge of the grill to keep warm while you prep the potatoes.

Step 3: Sear the Potatoes

1. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the center of the cooktop.
2. Toss the cubed potatoes onto the grill. Sear them for about 5-8 minutes, turning occasionally. You aren't trying to cook them all the way through yet; you just want to get a slight crust and smoky flavor infused into the starch.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

1. Place a cast-iron Dutch oven or a heat-safe heavy pot directly onto the grill grate or the flat surface (depending on your heat preference).
2. Transfer the roasted leeks, garlic, and seared potatoes into the pot.
3. Pour in the chicken (or vegetable) broth and add the thyme. Stir to combine.
4. Allow the mixture to simmer gently on the grill for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and falling apart.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. Once the vegetables are tender, remove the pot from the direct heat.
2. Stir in the heavy cream to achieve a luxurious, silky texture. If you prefer a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender right in the pot, or leave it chunky for a more rustic feel.
3. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh chives, parsley, and the optional crumbled bacon. serve immediately while piping hot.

Tips

Creating the perfect fire-roasted soup requires a balance of heat management and preparation. The most critical tip for this recipe is cleaning the leeks; they are notorious for trapping sand and soil between their layers. Slice them first, then soak them in a bowl of cold water, agitating them so the grit falls to the bottom, before scooping them out. When cooking on the Arteflame, remember that the center is the hottest point. If your garlic or leeks start to brown too quickly, slide them toward the outer edge of the cooktop where the temperature is lower. This zoning technique allows you to control the caramelization without burning these delicate aromatics. Finally, regarding texture: if you blend the soup, be careful not to over-process the potatoes, as they can become gummy. A few pulses with an immersion blender usually result in the perfect creamy consistency while retaining some rustic chunks.

Variations

This soup is a wonderful canvas for culinary creativity, and you can easily adapt it to suit different dietary needs or flavor profiles. While the classic recipe is rich and creamy, you can make a few simple swaps to transform the dish completely. Here are a few ways to mix things up while still utilizing the high heat of the grill:

• Vegan Delight: Substitute the butter for olive oil and replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream blend. Use vegetable stock to keep it 100% plant-based.
• Meat Lover’s Twist: Grill spicy Italian sausage or chorizo on the plancha alongside the leeks. Slice the sausage and add it to the simmering broth for a hearty, spicy kick.
• Cheesy Indulgence: Stir in 1 cup of sharp white Irish cheddar or grated Gruyère at the very end. The residual heat will melt the cheese, creating a fondue-like richness.
• Root Vegetable Medley: Replace half of the potatoes with parsnips or celery root (celeriac) for a earthier, slightly sweeter flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the smoke.
• Herbal Infusion: Swap the thyme for fresh rosemary or sage during the roasting process for a more aromatic, woodsy fragrance.

Best pairings

To turn this soup into a complete, satisfying meal, you need accompaniments that can stand up to its rich, creamy texture and smoky undertones. Since you already have the Arteflame fired up, utilize the heat to toast some artisan bread. Thick slices of sourdough or a dense, traditional Irish soda bread, brushed with garlic butter and grilled until crisp, make the perfect dipping vessel. For a beverage, a dark, creamy stout like Guinness is the classic choice; its roasted malt flavors mirror the char on the vegetables and cut through the richness of the cream. If you prefer wine, an oaky Chardonnay or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc balances the soup's weight. For a main course pairing, this soup serves as an excellent starter to a grilled flank steak or lamb chops, creating a cohesive menu that celebrates the rustic elegance of outdoor cooking.

Conclusion

Mastering this Fire-Roasted Irish Leek and Potato Soup is about more than just following a recipe; it is about embracing the elemental joy of cooking with fire. The Arteflame grill adds a layer of complexity to this humble dish that turns it into a gourmet experience, blending the fresh, sharp bite of leeks with the earthiness of potatoes and the irresistible aroma of wood smoke. It is a dish that invites you to slow down, enjoy the process, and savor the company of those you are feeding. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch or a cozy dinner under the stars, this soup is a testament to how simple ingredients, when treated with care and a little bit of flame, can become something truly spectacular. Gather your ingredients, light the fire, and enjoy a bowl of pure comfort.