Carrot Vichyssoise

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Servings:
6

Whole milk gives vichyssoise a rich consistency, without the fat of cream.

Ingredients

  • 3 large leeks (1 ½ pounds), white and light-green parts trimmed

  • 1 medium clove garlic, minced

  • 4 small Yukon Gold potatoes (1 ½ pounds), peeled

  • 5 carrots (9 ounces), peeled

  • 2 ½ cups Homemade Chicken Stock, or canned low-sodium chicken broth, skimmed of fat

  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt

  • teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 2 cups whole milk

  • 3 tablespoons snipped fresh chives

  • Olive-oil cooking spray

Directions

  1. Coarsely chop leeks; place in bowl of cold water. Let stand 5 minutes to rid them of dirt and sand; lift out of water; drain in colander.

  2. Spray bottom of small stockpot with olive-oil spray; place over low heat. Add leeks and garlic; cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until leeks are wilted, about 12 minutes.

  3. Cut 2 potatoes into small chunks; add to leeks. Slice 3 carrots into 1/4-inch-thick rounds; add to vegetables along with stock, salt, pepper, and 2 cups water. Cover partially, raise heat to high, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low; cook until vegetables are tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in milk, and puree in blender until smooth. Let stand until cool; refrigerate until cold.

  4. Meanwhile, finely julienne remaining 2 potatoes and 2 carrots; place in a small pot of boiling water. Boil until just tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain; transfer to ice-water bath until cool. Drain; add carrots and potatoes to pureed soup. To serve, divide soup among 6 bowls, and garnish each with snipped chives.

Cook's Notes

Use a blender, not a food processor, to puree this soup, or it will become gummy.

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