heat 1tbs of the oil in a large sauce pan over medium high heat. add onion and garlic and cook, stirring, for 3 mins or until onion softens. add the potato and leek and cook, stirring, for 5 mins or until leek softens.

add the stock and bring to boil. reduce heat to medium and gently boil, uncovered, for 20 mins or until potato is soft. remove from heat and set aside to cool for 10 mins.

blend soup until smooth. place soup on medium heat. add cream and stir to combine. cook, stirring, for 5 mins or until hot. season with salt.

serve sprinkled with chives and croutons