On a hot Texas afternoon, what’s better than a nice chilled soup brimming with the flavors of fresh dug potatoes and leeks right out of the garden? How about the same soup that isn’t half cream.
I’m talking, of course, about the famous Nazi collaborating potage, vichyssoise. It really is perfect for this time of year around these parts- all the ingredients are in season, the mercury is hanging out closer to the triple digit mark, and it’s so easy to make you can train your cats to do it for you.
(Editor’s note: Under no circumstances should you attempt to train a cat to make vichyssoise. Gazpacho sure, but let’s not kid ourselves.)
Like I mentioned though, most of the recipes that I found for the old classic involved inordinate amounts of sour cream or heavy cream. Some folks suggested I “lighten it up” by substituting half-and-half instead. Nothing says light and refreshing like a carton of half-and-half.
Unsatisfied, I took it upon myself to craft a new version. One that would highlight the potatoiness of the season’s first tubers and that I could eat more than a few spoonfuls of without feeling like I was sucking down a pint of melted Häagen-Dazs.
So with no further ado, I give you Vichyssoise, Boots syle:
Serves 6
- 3½ cups diced raw potatoes (fresh dug, skin on and scrubbed, preferably)
- 3-4 medium leeks, washed and chopped (white and light green parts only)
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 3-4 cups water
- salt to taste
- dash of nutmeg
- 1 cup lowfat buttermilk
Combine the first five ingredients in a large heavy bottomed pot and bring to a boil. Reduce temperature to a simmer. Salt lightly, cover partially, and cook 20-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Let soup cool slightly.
Working in two batches, puree the soup in a blender. Do not burn off face. Strain through a fine mesh sieve or chinoise. Add nutmeg and buttermilk. Adjust seasoning to taste. If soup is too thick add more stock or water. Chill in refrigerator at least two hours.
I don’t even eat this stuff with a spoon. I usually just pour it into teacups and me and the lady sit around sipping chilled potato broth with little goofy smiles on our faces.
Hope you like it.
-Logan
