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French Vichyssoise

Magda Born
The origins of the name Vichyssoise are a subject of debate among culinary historians; one version of the story is that Louis XV of France was afraid of being poisoned and had so many servants taste the potato leek soup that, by the time he tried it, the soup was cold, and since he enjoyed it that way it became a cold soup.
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Ingredients
  

  • 4 Tbsp Butter
  • 2 Leeks, white part only, cleaned and thinly sliced (see instructions below on cleaning well)
  • 2 Medium potatoes cut into small cubes
  • 2 or more c Chicken stock (I used 5 in this recipe. I like leftover, and this soup tastes the best the next day.)
  • 2 c Heavy cream
  • 4 Fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 1 pinch Nutmeg
  • Salt and fresh pepper (white pepper preferred)
  • I also like to add thyme and marjoram.

Instructions
 

  • IMPORTANT: Leeks are known to hold sand. Wash them or soak them well before cooking (see image).
    cut leeks soaking in a bowl of water
  • In a large, heavy bottom pot, melt butter over medium-low heat. Once butter is melted, add the leeks and sweat for 5 minutes, making sure they do not take on any color
    chopped leeks and butter in a pan being stirred with a wooden spook
  • Add potatoes and cook for a minute or two, stirring a few times.
  • Stir in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to a simmer. Cook on low heat, gently simmering for 35 minutes, or until the leeks and potatoes are very soft. Allow to cool for a few minutes.
  • Slowly and in SMALL batches, puree the soup at high speed in the blender. Do this bit by bit, never filling the blender too high.
  • Return soup to the cooking pot and whisk in cream and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper. Return to a boil, reduce to simmer, and cook 5 minutes. If you want to thin the soup out, add more broth.
  • Transfer soup to the mixing bowl and chill over the ice bath, stirring occasionally. When the soup is at room temperature, cover in plastic wrap and put into the refrigerator to cool.
  • Check seasoning, sprinkle with chives and serve in chilled bowls
  • This soup gets better over time. Enjoy this amazing but easy French treat!  

Magda Born

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