An easy Corned Beef Soup made with tender potatoes, leeks, carrots, and tangy applekraut in a savory broth. The perfect way to transform leftover corned beef into a comforting meal.
1.5lbsrusset or Yukon gold potatoesabout 4 medium, peeled and cut into ¾-inch chunks
12ozleftover corned beeftrimmed of excess fat and shredded or cut into ½-inch pieces
1cupNew Canaan Farms Blanco River Applekrautdrained (reserve ¼ cup brine if available), divided
2leeksmedium
3carrotsmedium, peeled and diced
3celery stalksdiced
3garlic clovesminced
1tablespoonCountry Wholegrain Mustard
6cupschicken stocklow-sodium
3tablespoonsunsalted butter
1bay leaf
½teaspoondried marjoram
1/2teaspooncaraway seedslightly crushed
3whole allspice berriesor ¼ tsp ground
sea salt and black pepperto taste
2piecesof rye breadstale
Instructions
Clean, peel, and chop 3 carrots, 2 leeks, 3 celery stalks, and 1.5 lbs russet or Yukon gold potatoes.
Melt 1 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add sliced leeks, diced carrots, and chopped celery; cook for 6-8 minutes until softened but not browned. Add 3 garlic cloves, ½ teaspoon dried marjoram, 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds, 1 tablespoon Country Wholegrain Mustard, and 3 whole allspice berries; stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add potatoes and 6 cups chicken stock, along with a bay leaf. Turn to medium-high heat and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15-18 minutes. Potatoes should be fork-tender but mostly hold their shape.
Stir in chopped 12 oz leftover corned beef and half the 1 cup New Canaan Farms Blanco River Applekraut (about ¾ cup). Simmer for 5 more minutes, allowing the beef to warm and release its spices. Taste and season with sea salt and black pepperif needed.
Cut the 2 pieces of rye bread into small cubes
Toss rye cubes with 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and a pinch of caraway and salt. Toast in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes until golden and crisp.
Remove bay leaf and allspice if using whole. Ladle into bowls, top each with a spoonful of reserved applekraut for crunch, a dollop of sour cream, dill, and rye croutons. Broth should be clear-ish with visible potato and beef chunks; kraut adds glossy apple flecks.
Notes
Clean leeks really well - slice them first, then soak the pieces in a bowl of cold water for a minute. The grit sinks, the leeks float. Scoop them out of the water. You can rinse them one more time.Don’t overcook the potatoes - simmer just until fork-tender. Add the corned beef near the end - it only needs a few minutes to warm through.