Leek and Potato Soup

Before I start the recipe . . . I am sorry for not sharing my recipes lately. But I am back!


Last summer one of Ben's parents (I say it was his mom and Ben says it was his dad, who knows!) made Vichyssoise. It was delicious. Vichyssoise is a French soup that can be served at any temperature and is made with leeks and potatoes. Leeks are a relative of garlic and onions. It has a milder flavor than the onion but not as mild as a scallion. Its cooked for about an hour and a half and then blended. The only seasonings are salt and white pepper. Well, I can't do that. It's just a little bland for my American palette. So . . . . I added on! This is the recipe that I have made 3 times in the span of two weeks due to the requests of Ben. Let me know what you think.



Note: This recipe was based off Alton Brown's Leek and Potato Soup recipe found at FoodNetwork.com.

Here is a link for further reading on the leek.
Wikipedia/leeks




Leek and Potato Soup


4 Servings (Unless you are feeding a guy, then 2[with 1 refill for him and half a refill for you;)].)


3 Leeks - the bottom should be about an inch in diameter

4-6 Idaho Potatoes - small potatoes use 6, bigger - use 4 or 5

Kosher Salt

White Pepper - if you don't mind seeing your pepper, you can use black pepper. You'll get more flavor.

1 cup Heavy Cream - a.k.a. Heavy Whipping Cream, Whipping Cream

1 cup Buttermilk

1/2 cup sour cream

6 Tbsp Butter - unsalted (its less than one stick)

4 Tbsp Olive Oil

2 tsp Diced Garlic

1 Quart Vegetable Stock

Romano cheese - If you are going to use the Romano, get the real stuff. I get mine from The Fresh Market on Jefferson in Covington Plaza. I use a turning grater (like you see at Olive Garden. If you are going to buy one (they are fantastic), get the OXO one.)If you are using a box grater, use the small grates. You can use Parmesan, as well.

Chives

Parsley - Italian Flatleaf, if you please.



The Prep


Leeks -

The leeks will be long and have roots at the end. You will have paid about $2 per pound and will only use about one third of what you bought. Also, the leeks grow in sandy soil and as they push up through that soil, the sand and grit gets into the leeks. This means you need to take care when prepping leeks. First you will want to cut the root end off. I usually cut about a 1/4 of an inch above the root line. Next you will need to cut off the dark green leaves. The first two leaves will have a 'v' and that is usually where I cut.

At this point, you will want fill your clean sink pretty full with cool water. You want the leeks to float and the sand and dirt to fall to the bottom. You'll need a strainer/colander to drain the leeks after they're cleaned.

Cut the leeks into quarters, lengthwise, then cut into bite size pieces. You want the pieces to be the same size so that they cook evenly. As you cut the leeks, you can put the pieces in the sink. Make sure that you pull the layers apart and rub the leaks. This will ensure that you get all the grit out. I let my leeks sit in the water for a few minutes after I have cleaned them. This lets the water calm down and the grit and dirt will fall to the bottom. When you are ready to pull them out, a slotted spoon or your hands are the best tools. Put the leeks into the strainer and shake to remove any excess water. I use the left over water to rinse the knife and cutting board.

Potatoes -

The potatoes simply need to be peeled and diced. I wouldn't cut them smaller than a 1/2 inch dice unless you are planning on blending the soup. If you are leaving it chunky, a bigger piece of potato is better in the mouth. -Just FYI- I have not tried the soup with the potato peels on. If you are going to blend your soup, I don't think I would leave them on. I am sure they would be delicious in the chunky style though. As for any other types of potatoes, just experiment and find what you like.

Herbs-

The parsley and chives simply need to be chopped separately.




The Process

In a large pot, melt three tablespoons of the butter and add the olive oil. Once the butter is melted you can add the drained leeks. Also add kosher salt and the pepper of your choice, to your taste. You will want to sweat the leeks over medium heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The salt will draw water out of the leeks and will allow them to soften without browning. (That is what it means to 'sweat' something.)

I usually dice the potatoes while the leeks are sweating.

After the leeks are softened, add the potatoes and the garlic. I let them cook for just a few moments and then I add the veggie stock. I cover the pot and let it cook at a low to medium boil for ten minutes. Then take the lid off, stir and let cook, uncovered, for another 10 minutes.

Once the potatoes are soft, its time to make the choice. To blend or not to blend. That is the question. Ben likes it chunky. I like both. I think that it also depends on how and who you are serving. If its a weeknight and just you and yours, serve it however. If its dinner guests, blend it.

To blend the soup, ladle small portions into the blender or food processor. Pulse until desired consistency, then return to pot.

When the soup is blended, or, if you are leaving it chunky, stir in your dairy products, including the cheese. I also add the herbs at the end. I reserve some of the herbs for garnish. The amount of herbs is up to you. Add a few and taste. I usually add 2 Tbsp of parsley and 1 Tbsp of chives. I add about one third to one half cup of cheese. This will add some saltiness to the soup, so check for seasoning before you serve.