How to Make Classic French Potage Parmentier (Leek and Potato Soup)

Simple Summary

Potage Parmentier is a classic French leek and potato soup that's creamy, comforting, and elegant in its simplicity. This velvety soup is perfect for chilly days or as a refined starter for a dinner party.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

• 4 large leeks (white and light green parts only), cleaned and sliced
• 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and white pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: Croutons for serving

Instructions

1. Clean the leeks thoroughly by slicing them lengthwise and rinsing between the layers to remove any dirt. Slice thinly.

2. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened but not browned, stirring occasionally.

3. Add the diced potatoes, broth, bay leaf, and thyme sprigs. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are very tender.

4. Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches to puree.

5. Stir in the heavy cream and return the soup to low heat. Season with salt and white pepper to taste.

6. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.

7. Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped chives and croutons if desired.

8. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Potage Parmentier!

Chef's Notes

• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream.
• To make this soup vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• The soup can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed to thin.
• For a smoother texture, pass the pureed soup through a fine-mesh sieve before adding the cream.
• Experiment with garnishes like crispy bacon bits, a drizzle of truffle oil, or a sprinkle of aged Gruyère cheese for added flavor dimensions.

Nutritional Info

Per serving (approximately 1 cup):

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Vitamin A: 15% of Daily Value
• Vitamin C: 20% of Daily Value
• Potassium: 10% of Daily Value

This soup is a good source of vitamins A and C, and provides a moderate amount of potassium. The leeks offer beneficial antioxidants, while potatoes contribute essential nutrients like vitamin B6 and potassium.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a starter course for a French-inspired dinner menu.
• Pair with a crisp white wine like Chablis or Sauvignon Blanc.
• Accompany with a side of crusty baguette or garlic bread for dipping.
• For a complete meal, serve alongside a light salad with vinaigrette dressing.
• Garnish with a swirl of crème fraîche and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an elegant presentation.
• On cold days, serve in bread bowls for a heartier meal option.