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chilled potato leek soup

Silky French Vichyssoise

This elegant chilled potato leek soup transforms humble ingredients into a luxurious delicacy. With its velvety texture and delicate flavor profile, this classic French dish is perfect for warm summer evenings. The overnight chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Soup
Cuisine: French
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper maintains the soup's pristine appearance
  • 3 large leeks white parts only, washed well and thinly sliced
  • 3 cups chicken stock
  • 2 medium potatoes peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • fresh chives chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large saucepan
  • Fine-mesh sieve
  • Blender or food processor

Method
 

  1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat.
  2. Add the sliced leeks and sauté gently until golden without browning, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking releases their sweet flavor while avoiding bitterness.
  3. Pour in the chicken stock and add the sliced potatoes along with the salt. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Cover and let simmer gently for about 40 minutes, until the potatoes are completely tender.
  5. Purée the mixture until completely smooth.
  6. For the signature silky texture, press the puréed soup through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any fibrous bits.
  7. Return the strained soup to the saucepan and add the milk and white pepper. Bring just to a simmer again.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in the whipping cream. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, remembering that cold foods require more seasoning.
  9. Refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.
  10. When ready to serve, ladle into chilled bowls and sprinkle with freshly chopped chives.

Notes

For the best presentation, serve this soup in chilled glass cups nested in ice. This creates a restaurant-quality experience that enhances the refreshing nature of the dish.
The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and the flavor actually improves after the first day as the ingredients have more time to meld together.
For a delightful variation, try adding a splash of dry white wine when sautéing the leeks for an extra layer of flavor.