Potato Leek Soup (Vichyssoise)

Description

There is nothing better on a chilly, damp day than a steaming bowl of potato leek soup; and conversely, few things are as delicious and refreshing on a hot, sweaty day than a bowl of ice cold vichyssoise.

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 ½ pounds trimmed leeks, cleaned and thinly cut
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1 ¼ pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, cut into eighths
  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth, or more as needed to adjust thickness
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup creme fraiche
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper
  • Chopped fresh chives for garnish

Instructions

  1. Melt butter in soup pot over medium-high heat. Add leeks and salt; cook until leeks begin to wilt. Reduce heat to medium or medium-low and cook until soft and almost pastelike
  2. 30 to 40 minutes.
  3. Place potatoes in the pot; add chicken broth. Adjust heat so mixture simmers slowly. Cook until potatoes are soft
  4. about 30 minutes. Puree mixture with an immersion blender or in batches in a blender. Whisk in heavy cream and creme fraiche. Heat over medium heat. Add more salt
  5. if needed
  6. and cayenne pepper. Do not boil.
  7. Serve with a drizzle of creme fraiche and a sprinkle of chopped chives.

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 1 hr 10 mins

Total Time: 1 hr 25 mins

Servings: 6

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