Growing Chefs! Ontario Vichyssoise

Vichyssoise

You may not think of potato soup at a warm picnic, but this chilled potato and leek soup is a fantastic addition to your picnic menu.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Yield
Serves 8 to 10
Ingredients
3 tablespoons butter3 leeks, chopped1 yellow onion, diced4 yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced4 cups chicken stock1/2 cup heavy cream1/2 cup sour cream1/4 cup chives, finely chopped A pinch of nutmeg Salt to taste Pepper to taste
Equipment
Measuring spoonsMeasuring cupsMixing bowls of various sizesCutting boardsChef's knifeLarge potSpatulaRaspFine mesh strainerTasting spoonsDish towel

Get Organized!

Gather your mise en place; get together all of the equipment needed for the recipe and gather your ingredients.

Get Prepped!

Wash and slice the leeks, removing the top woody part. Slice in half first and ensure that all dirt has been removed, then slice into thin half moon shapes.

Remove the tip and root of the onion, then cut in half and remove the peel. Dice into a very small dice.

Peel the potatoes and dice into a few centimeter sized cubes. Store in cold water until needed.

Very finely slice the chives and put aside for garnish.

Get Cooking!

In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter.

Add your leeks and onions to the pot and cook for 3 – 4 minutes until softened. Be sure not to get any browning at this stage.

Once leeks and onions have softened, add potatoes and stir until well coated with the hot butter.

Add the chicken stock and turn the heat up to high until boiling. Once the stock has boiled, turn heat to a simmer. Let simmer until potatoes are very soft, about 15 minutes.

Once potatoes are soft, blend in very small batches using a high speed blender. Pass through a mesh strainer when removing from the blender.

Once all is blended, add the heavy cream and sour cream, pinch of nutmeg and season with salt and pepper. Adjust consistency to your preference using more stock or cream. Let fully chill over an ice bath or in the fridge, preferably overnight.

Once chilled, adjust seasoning again. Pour into mason jars for easy transport and garnish with chopped chives.