📝 About This Recipe
This silky-smooth French classic, known as Vichyssoise when served cold or Potage Parmentier when warm, is the ultimate comfort food for little ones. By blending mild, buttery leeks with fluffy potatoes, we create a 'cloud-like' texture that is naturally sweet and incredibly approachable for picky eaters. It’s a nutrient-dense, warming meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, perfect for a cozy family dinner.
🥗 Ingredients
The Soup Base
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (high quality for better flavor)
- 3 large Leeks (white and light green parts only, cleaned and sliced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold Potatoes (peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes)
- 5 cups Low-Sodium Chicken or Vegetable Stock (homemade or high-quality store-bought)
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried Thyme (or 2 sprigs of fresh thyme)
- 1 piece Bay Leaf (remove before blending)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon White Pepper (optional, to keep the soup perfectly white)
The Finishing Touches
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (can substitute with whole milk for a lighter version)
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice (to brighten the flavors)
Kid-Friendly Garnishes
- 1/2 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- 1/4 cup Bacon Bits (crispy and crumbled)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Chives (finely snipped)
- 1 handful Goldfish Crackers or Croutons (for a fun crunch)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Prepare the leeks by cutting off the dark green tops and the roots. Slice the white and light green parts in half lengthwise, then into thin half-moons. Rinse thoroughly in a bowl of cold water to remove any trapped grit, then drain.
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2
In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat until it begins to foam slightly.
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3
Add the sliced leeks and a pinch of salt to the pot. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently. You want them soft and translucent, but do not let them brown, as this will change the flavor and color of the soup.
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4
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute until fragrant.
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5
Add the diced potatoes, dried thyme, bay leaf, and the remaining salt and white pepper. Stir to coat the potatoes in the buttery leek mixture.
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6
Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock. The liquid should cover the potatoes by about an inch. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
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7
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender and fall apart when pierced with a fork.
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8
Turn off the heat and remove the bay leaf (and thyme sprigs if using fresh). Let the soup cool for a few minutes so it is safe to blend.
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9
Using an immersion blender (stick blender), puree the soup directly in the pot until it is completely smooth and velvety. Alternatively, transfer to a traditional blender in batches, being careful not to overfill.
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10
Stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice. Taste and add a little more salt if needed.
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11
If the soup is too thick, add a splash more stock or milk until you reach your desired 'cloud' consistency.
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12
Ladle the warm soup into bowls. Let the kids help 'decorate' their bowls with the shredded cheese, bacon, chives, or crackers.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always use Yukon Gold potatoes for the creamiest texture; russets can sometimes turn grainy when blended. To clean leeks effectively, always soak them after cutting, as dirt hides between the many layers. Avoid browning the leeks or garlic; the goal is a pale, creamy color and a delicate, sweet flavor profile. If your kids are sensitive to 'green bits,' ensure you blend for an extra 60 seconds to make the leeks completely disappear into the base. For a dairy-free version, swap the butter for olive oil and the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with warm, buttery sourdough toast soldiers for dipping. Pair with a crisp side salad of apple slices and mild cheddar cubes. A small grilled cheese sandwich cut into 'crouton' squares is a huge hit with toddlers. Serve in a small mug for kids who prefer to sip their soup rather than use a spoon. Offer a 'topping bar' so children can customize their own bowl with fun textures.