Dirty Potato Leek Soup

I love potato leek soup. So I want to learn to make it. Deliciously.

I used two leeks, which apparently you have to clean by slicing them down the middle and rinsing out the inside layers - but they will be cooked, so I doubt it matters. On the internet it says to use the white to light green section. That sounds wasteful. I chopped the leek starting at the white and ending where it began looking gross.

I melted two table spoons of butter in a pan and put the leeks in. Too many leeks. No, too little pan.

It's really hard to sautee like this. In retrospect, cooking the leeks in the pot I am going to use would have been smarter. I added three shots of water, covered the goods, and let them cook for about five minutes while stirring occasionally.

I peeled and chopped this many potatoes:


I used really small red potatoes because I like red potatoes better than russet.

I heated four cups of chicken broth and then added the cooked leeks, potatoes, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Simmer for twenty minutes or until potatoes are really soft.



I pureed the soup and then stirred in 1/2 cup of milk and a cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

Results:


So, it's fucking green. Which is wrong.

Taste Test....

Me: Why do you think it tastes like dirt?
Roommate: It doesn't taste like dirt, it's... earthy
Me: Like dirt from the earth?
Roommate: Add pepper?
Me: Pepper is disgusting.

I'm thinking it tastes a little off because the thyme I used is old and from one of those huge 99cent jars. However, other than a slight dirt taste, it IS delicious. The cheese is unnecessary... I think adding it on top when served would have been better. I'm totally into this soup.

I've been thinking, maybe boiling things only kills germs, and does not get rid of actual dirt. Perhaps if I start washing things more... potatoes, leeks, hands.... I will get rid of this "earthy" taste.