How To Make Leslie’s Potato Soup

SERVES 4. This was always my favourite soup as a child; it was my dad’s speciality. It is delicious on a cold day, but very filling.

1. Step 1:

   Heat the milk to just boiling and pour over the bay leaf in a heatproof jug. Leave to steep while preparing the vegetables.

2. Step 2:

   In a heavy-based saucepan, melt the butter. Add the onions and fry gently until they are translucent.

3. Step 3:

   Add the potatoes and stir into the butter. Cook gently for 2–3 minutes, then add the stock and season well to taste.

4. Step 4:

   Bring to the boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.

5. Step 5:

   Remove the bay leaf from the milk, pour the milk into the soup pan and stir.

6. Step 6:

   Simmer the soup for another 10 minutes, or until the potatoes ‘fall’ (break apart) into the soup.

7. Step 7:

   Remove from the heat and mash the last bits of potato, or hand-blend to make a smooth consistency. Serve garnished with chopped chives or toasted breadcrumbs.