In Search of the Best Vichyssoise

Vichyssoise is a cold leek and potato soup that has become one of my family’s favorites. As I returned to South Africa and my veggie garden last week, I discovered that I had a row of leeks that were in need to be eaten, hence the quest to discover the best vichyssoise!

 

 

 

 

 

a bowl of salad items

I have always just followed my instinct when making this soup but it has never come out the way I remember my mother making it. It is always too starchy or too creamy or just not right. I finally decided to do a little research and was directed towards the Queen of French Cuisine, Julia Child. Her recipe in “The Way to Cook” is so simple that I have decided to use it with a little tweak here and there to make it our family’s own.

 

Vichyssoise

 

In search of the best Vichyssoise recipe
Author: MaryR
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 6-8
[i]This is a family favorite…hot or cold. [/i]
Ingredients
  • 4C sliced leeks, white parts only
  • 4C diced , peeled potatoes
  • 6C homemade chicken or vegetable stock
  • 1tsp flaky salt and white pepper
  • 1C heavy cream or a mix of milk and cream
  • minced chives for serving
Instructions
  1. Place leeks, potatoes and stock in a pot with a lid.
  2. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 25-30 minutes or until potatoes are cooked through.
  3. Let cool before processing the mixture in a blender, to create a smooth consistency.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. At this point, the soup base can be frozen and used at a later date. If it is very lumpy, you can also put it through a fine meshed sieve.
  6. To serve, add cream or a milk and cream combination.Refrigerate until cold then pour into bowls and garnish with chopped chives.
  7. * you can add as little or as much cream as you wish. I like to have a velvety smooth consistency and I find that cream creates that texture.
  8. This soup can also be served hot but it cannot be called Vichyssoise!

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