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

All Recipes

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.

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.

💡

Tips & Tricks

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is potage à la laitue?

Potage à la laitue, or lettuce soup, is a creamy and delicate soup made primarily with lettuce, leeks, and cream.

Can I use a different type of lettuce?

Yes, you can substitute butter lettuce with romaine or Bibb lettuce, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

How do I know when the potatoes are cooked?

The potatoes are cooked when they are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork, typically after simmering for about 15-20 minutes.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the soup a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove before serving.

What if I don't have a blender?

If you don't have a blender, you can use an immersion blender or a food processor to blend the soup until smooth.

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.

Nutrition per serving

250

Calories

Protein

18g

Fat

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