Soup/ Spanish Recipes

Porrusalda- Basque Leek and Potato Soup

 

I’ve proclaimed this month to be ‘Spanish Food month!’ My last post was a recipe for Spanish Tortilla and I’ll be posting more Spanish recipes for the next month.  I learned most of these recipes while attending the Madrid Le Cordon Bleu School.

My recipe today is called Porrusalda, which means ‘leek broth’ in the Basque language. Porrusalda is a rustic Basque soup containing leeks, potatoes, carrots and sometimes cod. It is often presented with chunks of vegetables and cod cooked in a broth- very rustic looking and obviously a very easy and economical way to prepare a meal.

However, at the Cordon Bleu school, we presented our Porrusalda in a slightly more elegant way. Instead of presenting the soup with chunks of vegetables, we blended the mixture and also placed the cod in the center with some julienned carrots and leeks. The cod is optional for the recipe and you could also use other white fish, such as talapia.

One thing that strikes me about this soup is that it is definitely creamy in texture! My husband asked me how much cream I used in this recipe and he was surprised when I told him there was none- the soup is naturally creamy without adding all the calories!

Whether or not you prefer your Porrusalda rustic chunky style or creamy, blended style, I’m sure you’ll like it!

 

Porrusalda- Basque Leek and Potato Soup

Print Recipe
Serves: 4 Cooking Time: 40 mins

Ingredients

  • 1 piece cod (or other white fish) cut into 2 inch squares
  • For the porrusalda:
  • 2 carrots
  • 2 leeks (white part)
  • 2 med/large potatoes
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 4 cups chicken stock or broth
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 3 tbsps olive oil
  • pinch of saffron soaked in 1/4 cup hot water
  • salt/pepper to taste
  • Poaching liquid for the cod:
  • 2 cups water (approx)
  • pinch salt
  • 1 crushed garlic clove
  • splash of white wine (optional)
  • Garnish:
  • julienne strips of raw carrot and leek
  • chives
  • 1 slice of Serrano ham or prosciutto, diced

Instructions

1

To make the Porrusalda, slice the carrots and potatoes into rough 'chunks.' Cut the white part of the leeks cross-wise into circles about 1/2 wide. Heat 2 tbsps olive oil in a pan and saute' the vegetables for several minutes over medium high heat. The potatoes may stick a little to the pan; de-glaze with a little water to remove the sticky 'brown bits.'

2

Add the chicken stock, bay leaf and salt/pepper. Mash together two garlic cloves and 3 tbsps olive oil using a mortar and pestle, then add this to the pan.

3

Add a pinch of saffron threads to 1/4 cup hot water and let soak for a few minutes, then add to the pan with the other mixture. Cook over medium heat until the veggies are soft, but not over-cooked (approx. 15-20 mins).

4

Let cool for several minutes, then pulse in blender or food processor until mixture is smooth. Adjust seasoning if required.

5

Prepare the cod: slice the raw cod into two-inch squares. Add the pieces to a pan and cover with water (approx two cups). Add a pinch of salt, crushed garlic clove and white wine (optional). Simmer over medium heat until the fish is cooked (approx. 5-10 minutes). remove from pan.

6

To serve, add the parrusalda soup to a bowl, place a piece of the cod in the center of the bowl and add the julienne strips of carrot and leek on top. (I used a 'zester' to create the thin strips of raw carrot and leek). Sprinkle a few pieces of chopped chives and Serrano ham (or prosciutto) on top of the soup.

Notes

You can serve this dish without the fish if desired.

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15 Comments

  • Reply
    Lynn @ Oh-So Yummy
    January 21, 2018 at 3:09 am

    All these Spanish recipes you have been posting look amazing! Could I substitute sweet potato (perhaps the starchier white flesh instead of softer yellow) to keep it whole 30 friendly?

    • Reply
      Fran Flint
      January 21, 2018 at 4:00 am

      Hi Lynn, yes you could substitute the sweet potato for the potato component- this recipe is flexible!

  • Reply
    John / Kitchen Riffs
    January 21, 2018 at 3:24 am

    I don’t know this dish, so thanks for the intro! This looks spectacular — love the color, and its flavor must be awesome. Good stuff — thanks.

    • Reply
      Fran Flint
      January 23, 2018 at 2:16 am

      Thanks John- that’s the nice thing about blogging; discovering new recipes!

  • Reply
    Mimi
    January 22, 2018 at 9:34 am

    This is so lovely! I’ve never heard of this name, which is why I love blogging! Thank you!

  • Reply
    Fran Flint
    January 23, 2018 at 2:17 am

    Mimi, thank you so much for your comment!

  • Reply
    SeattleDee
    January 23, 2018 at 3:43 pm

    I can’t wait to try both chunky and blended versions of this delicious sounding soup. As usual, your photo is gorgeously tempting.

  • Reply
    Raymund
    January 24, 2018 at 5:11 am

    That soup looks heartwarming, looks like a good candidate for a great comfort dish

  • Reply
    David
    January 28, 2018 at 12:23 am

    I have not heard of this soup, Fran, but it sounds so incredibly good and soul-warming! Perfect for a winter evening!

  • Reply
    Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop
    January 29, 2018 at 11:56 pm

    This soup sounds interesting! The color is stunning! Right now I’m all about delicious, warm soups!

  • Reply
    Raymund
    January 31, 2018 at 7:37 pm

    Cod is my favourite fish and it looks so perfect in that nice bowl of soup!

  • Reply
    deepika
    February 1, 2018 at 8:12 pm

    this potato soup recipe looks delicious and healthy
    thank you for sharing

    • Reply
      Fran Flint
      February 8, 2018 at 1:02 pm

      Deepika, thanks so much for stopping by my blog!

  • Reply
    Parth
    February 1, 2018 at 8:13 pm

    A very healthy recipe
    thank you for sharing

  • Reply
    marie johson
    January 15, 2020 at 5:52 pm

    This soup looks unique <3 it will try it soon 🙂 thanks

  • I love comments!