Potato Leek Soup (Vichyssoise)

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81 Reviews
15 Photos

There is nothing better on a chilly, damp day than a steaming bowl of potato leek soup; and conversely, few things are as delicious and refreshing on a hot, sweaty day than a bowl of ice cold vichyssoise.

By
John Mitzewich
Chef John
John Mitzewich
John Mitzewich — aka Chef John — has produced more than 1,500 cooking videos for Allrecipes. He's the actor, director, and screenwriter whose hands and voice confidently walk you through techniques.
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Updated on November 20, 2024
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Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
1 hr 10 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 25 mins
Servings:
6
Yield:
6 servings
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 6 servings

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 1 ½ pounds trimmed leeks, cleaned and thinly cut

  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste

  • 1 ¼ pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, cut into eighths

  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth, or more as needed to adjust thickness

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • ½ cup creme fraiche

  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper

  • Chopped fresh chives for garnish

Directions

  1. Melt butter in soup pot over medium-high heat. Add leeks and salt; cook until leeks begin to wilt. Reduce heat to medium or medium-low and cook until soft and almost pastelike, 30 to 40 minutes.

  2. Place potatoes in the pot; add chicken broth. Adjust heat so mixture simmers slowly. Cook until potatoes are soft, about 30 minutes. Puree mixture with an immersion blender or in batches in a blender. Whisk in heavy cream and creme fraiche. Heat over medium heat. Add more salt, if needed, and cayenne pepper. Do not boil.

  3. Serve with a drizzle of creme fraiche and a sprinkle of chopped chives.

    close up view of Potato Leek Soup (Vichyssoise) garnished with fresh herbs in a white bowl
    Chef John

Chef's Notes

You'll need 1 1/2 pounds of leeks after they've been trimmed. Leave about an inch of the dark green.

Here's my recipe for homemade crème fraîche.

159 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

424 Calories
31g Fat
35g Carbs
6g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 424
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 31g 39%
Saturated Fat 19g 94%
Cholesterol 104mg 35%
Sodium 1171mg 51%
Total Carbohydrate 35g 13%
Dietary Fiber 4g 13%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 6g 12%
Vitamin C 14mg 16%
Calcium 96mg 7%
Iron 2mg 13%
Potassium 239mg 5%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.