Vegetable and Leek Soup

I saw some beautiful green beans and leeks in the market this morning, and came up with this recipe on the spot for dinner.  I feel the leeks really make this, but you could really substitute any other vegetable in or out, and I think you'd have great results.

When I make brothy soups like this, I like to make "cheater broth."  By that, I mean that I get a stock pot full of boiling water to which I add veggie broth cubes (like Knorr), and then add the unused trimmings of any veggies to help enrich the broth.  Today, I threw in the dark green parts of the leek (after it was all carefully washed), and some bay leaves.  You can either strain out the veggie chunks before adding it to your soup, or just use a ladle to maneuver around them.

Ingredients:

10-12 cups broth
1 Tbsp olive oil
2 leeks, white/ light green parts finely chopped.  The rest reserved for stock (optional).
3 carrots, chopped
5 potatoes, cubed.  I used Yukon gold and did not peal them
2 cups of green beans, trimmed and cut into 1.5 inch pieces
2 bay leaves
salt and pepper
1 tablespoon thyme
1 tablespoon basil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
milk or half and half (optional, vegan if omitted)

Directions:

While preparing other ingredients, heat broth in stock pot to boiling, so it's ready to go and you don't have to wait for it later.

Clean leaks carefully to remove grit.  Chop white and green parts in food processor until medium-fine.  Heat oil in dutch oven.  Add leeks, and cook for 5-10 minutes until leeks have started to soften.  Add carrots, stir, and cook for a few minutes.  Add enough broth to cover, and add the bayleaves, thyme, basil, and red pepper flakes.  Cook for 3 minutes.  Add potatoes, and add enough of the boiling broth to cover.  When potatoes are about half way cooked through, add in the green beans, and cook for ~3-5 minutes or so.  Add more broth if you want it brothier.  Test for salt, and add if necessary along with some freshly cracked pepper.  If desired, add 1 cup of milk or half and half.  Serve with crusty baguette.  Enjoy.