LunchEasyFlare-FriendlyGluten-Free

Gentle Potato Soup

Silky pureed potato soup with a subtle onion-like flavor from leek greens. At just 3g fiber per bowl, this is the kind of gentle comfort food that may help when your gut needs a break.

Gentle Potato Soup
Total Time
45m
Servings
4
Calories
210
Fiber
3g
Protein
4g
Carbs
32g
Fat
8g
Best ForSafe for Crohn's & UC
Active FlareRecoveringRemissionStricturePost-Op (Late)J-Pouch

Watch Out For

buttermild

Contains milk proteins (casein, whey) even though lactose is minimal

Tip: Substitute with olive oil (same amount) for fully dairy-free version

lactose-free milkmild

Contains milk proteins despite being lactose-free

Tip: Use unsweetened oat milk or almond milk instead

potatoesnone

Not SCD-compliant (complex carbohydrate)

Tip: Substitute with 3 cups well-cooked cauliflower florets for SCD compliance

white peppervery-mild

May irritate sensitive stomachs in some individuals

Tip: Omit entirely - soup is delicious without it

Ingredients

  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat until it just begins to foam.

    Equipment: large pot
  2. Add the sliced leek greens and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and turn bright green but not brown.

    Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent browning - you want bright green, softened leeks
  3. Add the cubed potatoes and broth, then increase heat to high.

  4. Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the potatoes break apart easily when pressed with a spoon.

    medium-low heat
    Tip: Potatoes are ready when they break apart easily with a spoon
  5. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes to prevent splattering when blending.

    Tip: This cooling step prevents dangerous splattering when blending hot liquids
  6. Use an immersion blender to puree until completely smooth with no visible chunks, about 1-2 minutes. If using a regular blender, work in batches filling the pitcher no more than halfway.

    Equipment: immersion blender, regular blender
    Tip: If using a regular blender, work in batches filling the pitcher no more than halfway to avoid overflow
  7. Stir in the lactose-free milk until fully incorporated and the soup reaches a creamy, pourable consistency.

  8. Season with salt and white pepper to taste, stirring well.

  9. Reheat gently over low heat if needed, stirring occasionally, just until warmed through.

    low heat
    Tip: Avoid boiling - gentle heat prevents dairy from separating
  10. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh chives before serving.

Notes

CRITICAL - Leek greens only

The white and light green bulb of leeks contains high levels of fructans (a FODMAP). Use only the dark green leafy tops. According to Monash University testing, up to 100g of green leek leaves are low FODMAP, while the bulb is high FODMAP even in small amounts.

Dairy-free option

Replace butter with olive oil (same amount) and use unsweetened oat milk or almond milk instead of lactose-free milk. The soup will be slightly less rich but equally gentle on the gut.

SCD alternative

Potatoes are not permitted on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet. Substitute with well-cooked cauliflower florets (about 3 cups) for a similar creamy texture, though the flavor will be milder.

Texture control

For a thinner soup, add broth 1/4 cup at a time until you reach desired consistency. For a thicker, chowder-like texture, reduce the broth to 3 cups.

Storage

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The soup will thicken as it cools—add a splash of broth when reheating. Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Make-ahead

This soup tastes better the next day as flavors meld. Prepare through step 7, then refrigerate and reheat gently before serving.

Serving suggestions

Pair with toasted white bread or low-fiber crackers for a complete, satisfying meal.

IBD Considerations

Diet Protocol Compliance

How this recipe fits common IBD dietary approaches