It’s Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada and the markets are brimming with local produce. Although Montréal is a huge metropolitan, just a short drive out and you are sure to hit farmland. There are over 30 000 farms in Québec and our produce is our pride and joy and definitely something to be thankful for. One of the crops that shine at this time of the year are our gigantic leeks. What better way to use them up than by making leek soup?
Leak soup or, as it is often called by its French name, vichyssoise is a simple soup. But as often, with simplicity, this is pure indulgence. It is made of onions, leeks and potatoes simmered in broth, puréed, and then seasoned ever so slightly. It derives a rich, creamy texture from the addition of cream and milk.
Vichyssoise (Leek Soup)
(yields about 9-12 servings)
- 225 g (about 2 onions) onions coarsely sliced
- 500 g (about 3 medium) leaks, 1 inch slices
- 450 g (about 4 medium) potatoes, coarsely diced
- 1/4 cup butter
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version
- 2 tsp salt
- about 1 1/2 to 2 cups total of milk and cream (divide as you like)
- pepper to taste
- chives for garnishing
- In a large dutch oven (at least 5.4 L), sauté onions and leeks in butter until tender.
- Add potatoes, broth and salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 30 minutes (until the potatoes are thoroughly cooked).
- Let cool about 15 minutes, then purée using an immersion blender.
- You can refrigerate or freeze portions at this point until ready to use.
- When ready to serve, stir in milk and cream until desired consistency is reached. Serve hot or cold. Garnish with chopped chives and freshly ground black pepper.
conifères & feuillus 
Always wanted to know how to make this!
Can you believe that it’s that easy?! Do give it a try!
I will and let you know!
Completely out of the blue, but the first time I heard about vichyssoise was in the Batman Returns movie where he was shocked it was a cold soup. Leeks are great though, so I’m sure your recipe is delicious. Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanks! That’s funny. If truth be told, as much as I love soups, I am not a fan of cold soups and have never tried this one cold. But yes, it is often served cold.
Likewise. It’s just not as comforting. 🙂
Love leeks in any form and this soup is one of my all-times favorites. It looks so tasty. Beautiful photos too! 🙂
Thank you Ronit! I love this soup too! I make lots at this soup at this time of the year and freeze smaller portions for at least the next few months.
Great planning. Nothing like a hot bowl of tasty soup in the winter. 🙂
Your photographs are amazing!! And that soup looks so delicious!!
Thank you! I am a huge soup fan and this ranks at the top!
Queen of soups!!
Lol! That could be a good nickname for me!
😀:)
Looks heavenly. Wonderful recipe and photos.
Happy Thanksgiving Day! Beautiful photos. Soup hot or cold – just love it! 🙂
Love the photos, they’re so warm, cozy and inviting! The soup looks fantastic! Great post 🙂
Thank you!