Potage Megali(French Mediterranean Leek Soup)
A warm, comforting French Mediterranean leek and tomato soup infused with fresh basil and herbs, perfect for a light lunch or cozy dinner, enhanced by orzo pasta.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute the sliced leeks and onions in olive oil and butter until soft.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste and drained tomato juice.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add the cooked orzo and simmer until heated through.
- Optional: Garnish with chopped fresh basil and parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine after sautéing the leeks and onions. If you don't have orzo, you can substitute with small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or even rice. Fresh herbs really elevate the dish, so feel free to experiment with thyme or oregano alongside basil. This soup is quite versatile; you might also enjoy it as a base for a cold soup like the Cold Tomato-Dill Soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the potage warm, garnished with fresh basil and parsley for a pop of color and flavor. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. You can also enjoy it alongside Mediterranean recipes like Chicken Toscana or Chicken With Apricots And Prunes for a delightful dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much. You can also freeze the soup for up to 2 months; just let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Potage Megali(French Mediterranean Leek Soup) contains roughly 959 calories, with 16g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 70g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (141% of the Daily Value), iron (73% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (63% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 950mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth. Additionally, you can enhance the flavors with more vegetables, like carrots or celery, if desired. This will make for a delicious and hearty vegetarian option.
How can I add protein to this dish?
To add protein, consider incorporating cooked chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas. If you use chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken works great and saves time. Just add it during the last few minutes of simmering to heat through without overcooking.
Is it possible to prepare this soup in advance?
Absolutely! This soup can be made ahead of time and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Just prepare it without the orzo, cool it down, and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat and stir in the orzo for a fresh texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).