Creamy Leek and Potato Soup: Hot or Cold French Classic

Sometimes I think we take classic recipes for granted as we search for the newest taste sensation. I know I do. Not long ago I was assisting at a cooking class that featured  classic French recipes. As I did the prep work before the students arrived, I wondered what the students would think about these standard dishes. We had a mix of young and older students, about 18 in all. I was in responsible for making and demonstrating Vichyssoise with Zucchini, a super easy dish with a flavor that blew away all participants. Two 20-somethings came up after class and told me that it was the best soup they had ever tasted and that’s when it hit me: sometimes I take the classics for granted but classics are classics for a reason. Here is a variation of the recipe served in that class, which can be served hot or cold. Et voilà: Soupe de poireaux et pommes de terre crémeuse à l’aneth ~ Creamy Leek and Potato Soup with Dill. INGREDIENTS:·        3 Tablespoons unsalted butter·        4 leeks, trimmed of all but 2 inches of the green part, well rinsed·        3 potatoes, peeled and cubed·        6 cups chicken stock·        1/2-3/4 cup cream·        juice of 1 lemon·        3-4 Tablespoons chopped dill·        salt and white pepper PREPARATION:1. Slice the cleaned leeks. Cube the potatoes.2. Melt the butter in a large casserole. Add the leeks and the potatoes.3. Season the leeks and potatoes with salt and pepper and toss the vegetables to coat with the melted butter. Cook for about 3 minutes.4. Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Cover and cook for 45 minutes.5. Mix the cream and the lemon juice together in a small bowl.6. Using a stick blender or a food processor, puree the soup.7. Stir in the cream/lemon juice and minced dill. TO SERVE:Ladle the soup into 6 bowls. Garnish with a dill sprig and serve hot. If you make this soup, please post whether or not it was a sensation. I’m betting it is. Debra Fioritto contributes delicious French recipes to BonjourParis–follow her at: @DebraFioritto, Fabulous French Food , Julia’s Paris & Provence and Tour de Forks Uncommon Epicurean Adventures. We apologize . . . the Chef Works chalk stripe bib apron does not come with Curtis, the chef wearing it. Details about this stylish apron at our Amazon.com French Marketplace: Chef Works black & white striped apron for him or her Perfect hostess gift or a gift to jazz up your kitchen? Chic French toile pattern apron by Jessie Steele comes with coordinated towel. Coordinating pot mitt available, sold separately.