RCI-MT.006.0025.001
Potage Parmentier
Cuisine of France | Soup There are few things more versatile or more satisfying than (Leek and Pota
Prep15 min
Cook30 min
Total45 min
Servings4
Difficultyintermediate
Ingredients
- sliced leeks or onions (about 1 lb. or 450g)3 - 4 cups
- (700-900g/2lb) floury potatoes (eg. Idaho3 - 4 cupsMaris Piper), peeled and thickly sliced
- (2 litres) water. A proportion of light chicken or vegetable stock made be used.2 quarts
- tbs. salt or 1 tbs. sea/rock salt2 unit
- White pepper (ideally - for color) to taste. Use fresh-ground black pepper otherwise.1 unit
- Tbs. heavy (double) cream4 - 6 unit
- (up to 450g/1lb) vegetables (optional)1 - 2 cups
- handsful flat-leaf parsley or watercress (optional)1 - 2 unit
Method
1
Peel and thinly slice the ptatoes and onions. If using leeks, remove the roots and dark green leaves; wash twice as long as you think necessary to remove the grit. Thinly slice any optional vegetables or roughly chop any optional herbs.
2
Place the vegetables, water and salt in a pot and bring to a boil; Lower the heat and gently simmer (partially covered) for 45—50 minutes. The soup is done when you can easily mash the vegetables against the side of the pot.
3
Puree the soup using a food mill fitted with the fine disc. Optionally, “pulse” it in a blender until just smooth and pass through a fine sieve.
4
Chill the soup if it is to be served cold or gently reheat it to a simmer. Refrigerate any left-overs. It will keep for days if refrigerated in a covered container as soon as it cools.
5
Add 1½—2 tsp. cream (or whole milk) per portion just before serving. You’ll need more cream if you’re serving the soup hot or if it’s a bit watery; the idea is to create a smooth, silky puree, but you don’t want the taste or mouth feel of the cream to predominate. Taste and adjust for salt and pepper.
6
Snipped chives are the classic garniture for leek-and-potato soup. When we include asparagus, we use steamed asparagus tips as a garnish; with broccoli, use steamed broccoli flowerets—you get the idea. Of course, if you’re just pouring a mid-afternoon mug for yourself, who cares how it looks?