Definition

Noun: A smooth, creamy soup made from puréed potatoes and leeks (or onions), typically served chilled.

Usage

This word is used specifically to refer to this classic French-style soup. It is almost always used as a singular noun. * Vichyssoise is a popular starter in fine dining restaurants during the summer. * The chef's signature dish is a delicate vichyssoise garnished with chives.

Examples

• For lunch, they served a refreshing .
• I learned how to make a perfect from a French cookbook.
• The key to a good is using high-quality leeks and potatoes.

Advanced Usage

• The term is sometimes used more broadly to describe any cold, creamy vegetable soup, though purists insist it must contain potato and leek.
• It can be used attributively (like an adjective) before another noun (e.g., , ).

Variants and Related Words

• Potage Parmentier: The hot version of this soup, named after Antoine-Augustin Parmentier, who promoted the potato in France.
• Bisque: A general term for a thick, creamy soup, often made from shellfish (e.g., lobster bisque), but served hot or cold.

Synonyms

• Chilled potato and leek soup
• Cold cream soup

Notes on Meaning

This word has a very specific culinary meaning. It does not have other general or figurative meanings. Its defining characteristics are its main ingredients (potato, leek/onion), its creamy texture, and the fact that it is served cold.

Noun

1. a creamy potato soup flavored with leeks and onions; usually served cold