COLD LEEK AND POTATO SOUP (Vichyssoise)

[JimmyJNickles]

1. Julia Child's Recipe

Julia Child has a recipe sans Chicken stock.

.....just water, leeks, potatoes, and salt in the soup base. However, you may include chicken stock if you wish, and you may certainly include milk. A bit of cream at the end is a nourishing touch, but by no means necessary." -- Julia Child from The Way to Cook , Alfred A. Knopf.

Note: If you are not puréeing the soup, cut the vegetables rather neatly.

4 cups sliced leeks, white part only
4 cups diced potatoes, old or baking potatoes recommended
6 to 7 cups water
1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons salt or to taste
1/2 cup or more sour cream, heavy cream, or crème fraîche, optional
1 Tablespoon fresh chives or parsley, minced
Special Equipment Suggested : A heavy-bottomed 3-quart saucepan with cover

Simmering the soup . Bring the leeks, potatoes and water to the boil in the saucepan. Salt lightly, cover partially, and simmer 20-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Purée the soup if you wish. Taste, and correct seasoning. After chilling the soup, you may wish to stir in a little more cream. Taste carefully again, and correct the seasoning. Top each serving with a sprinkle of chives or parsley.