Simple French Potato and Leek Soup

October 25, 2011

Vichyssoise sounds fancy but in fact is a simple potato and leek soup.  This lovely soup that can be made any night of the week.  Traditionally, this soup is served as smooth as silk but if you prefer chunky soups, leave some bits of potato.  I love to top this soup with creme fraiche and bits of bacon for extra flavor.  You should add this wonderful potato and leek soup to your recipe repertoire.

Potato and Leek Soup

Ingredients:

2 stalks Baby Leeks, thinly sliced
3 cloves of Garlic, peeled and roughly chopped
1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (15 grams)
1 3/4 cups Chicken Stock (400 ml)
3/4 cup Hot Water (150 ml)
2 mediums Potatoes, peeled and cut into small chunks (250 grams)
Freshly Ground Black Pepper
 
Directions:
 
Melt butter in a saucepan. Add leeks and garlic, cook over low heat till soft and fragrance (about 5 minutes) before stirring it the potato chunks and cook for another 1 minute.
 
Pour in stock and hot water, bring the mixture to boil, reduce heat and simmer gently until potatoes are soft and tender.
 
Turn off heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature before transferring it in the food blender. Or you can use a potato masher to mash up everything directly in the pot. (you can reserved a few potato chunks as garnish too)
 
If using food blender, pour the puree back into the same saucepan. Dilute the mixture with extra chicken stock or hot water accordingly to get the consistency that you preferred. Warm Through.
 
Ladle soup into serving bowls, season with freshly ground pepper and serve.

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