Creamy Lettuce Soup (Potage Choisy)

Name: Creamy Lettuce Soup (Potage Choisy)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 1 cup leeks (white and light green parts only, sliced); 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (low sodium); 1 head butter lettuce (washed and chopped); 1 medium potato (peeled and diced); 1 cup heavy cream; to taste salt and pepper

45 min 4 servings Easy

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Creamy Lettuce Soup (Potage Choisy)

Enjoy a creamy and delicate lettuce soup, perfect for any season.

Prep

15 min

Cook

30 min

Total

45 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Potage Choisy is a classic French soup that exemplifies simplicity and elegance. Named after the town of Choisy-le-Roi, this soup combines the subtle flavours of lettuce and leeks with the richness of cream to create a comforting and refined dish. Traditionally served as a starter, Potage Choisy showcases the delicate taste of lettuce, which is often overshadowed in other dishes. The soup's silky texture and mild flavour make it a versatile choice for both everyday meals and special occasions.

Ingredients

Servings

For the Soup

Instructions

Sauté the leeks

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.

Pro tip: Avoid browning the leeks to keep the soup's flavour delicate.

Add broth and potato

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add the diced potato. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes, until the potato is tender.

Incorporate the lettuce

Add the chopped lettuce to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, until the lettuce is wilted.

Pro tip: Do not overcook the lettuce to maintain its bright green colour.

Blend the soup

Remove the pot from heat and use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth. Alternatively, blend in batches using a countertop blender.

Pro tip: For a smoother texture, strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve after blending.

Add cream and season

Stir in the heavy cream and return the pot to low heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste, heating until just warmed through.

Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs, if desired. Serve immediately.

Pro tip: Chopped chives or parsley make excellent garnishes.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Use fresh, crisp lettuce for the best flavour.</li><li>Avoid overcooking the lettuce to preserve its vibrant green colour.</li><li>For a creamier texture, blend the soup until completely smooth.</li><li>Garnish with fresh herbs for added aroma and taste.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Serve Potage Choisy with a slice of crusty bread or a light salad to create a balanced meal. This soup pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine, enhancing its delicate flavours. To make ahead, prepare the soup without the cream and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Add the cream just before reheating to maintain its velvety texture.