Zucchini Vichyssoise

Vichyssoise is a thick soup made of puréed leeks, potatoes, cream, and chicken stock and can be served hot or cold. On this cold winter's night, I'm definitely eating mine hot! In this recipe, zucchinis are also included as an ingredient, and it marries well with the leeks and potatoes. For a vegetarian version, simply substitute vegetable stock for the chicken stock. This soup is easy to prepare, especially if you use a handheld blender (one of my favorite kitchen tools) to purée. It has an earthy but simple and smooth flavor. Garnish with chives or even oyster crackers!

Source: Zucchini Vichyssoise, Barefoot in Paris

Ingredients

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 tablespoon good olive oil

5 cups chopped leeks, white and light green parts (4 to 8 leeks)

4 cups chopped unpeeled white boiling potatoes (8 small)

3 cups chopped zucchini (2 zucchinis)

1½ quarts chicken stock or canned broth

1 teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons heavy cream

Fresh chives or julienned zucchini, for garnish

Directions

Heat the butter and oil in a large stockpot, add the leeks, and sauté over medium-low heat for 5 minutes. Add the potatoes, zucchini, chicken stock, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil; then lower the heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Cool for a few minutes and then process through a food mill fitted with the medium disc. Add the cream and season to taste. Serve either cold or hot, garnished with chopped chives and/or zucchini.