Vichyssoise is a classic French soup made of puréed leeks, potatoes, cream, and chicken broth. However, this recipe is a twist on the classic dish with the addition of red pepper and lime, which gives it a spicy and refreshing flavour.

Ingredients

• 3 leeks, washed and sliced
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 4 cups of chicken broth
• 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 red pepper, seeded and diced
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1 lime, juiced and zested
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the leeks and cook for 5-7 minutes or until softened.
3. Add the chicken broth, potatoes, and red pepper to the saucepan and bring to a boil.
4. Lower the heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth.
6. Stir in the cream, lime juice, and lime zest.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Chill the soup for at least 2 hours or until cold.
9. Serve cold with a sprinkle of fresh lime zest on top.

Benefits

The addition of red pepper and lime to this classic French soup recipe brings additional health benefits to the dish. Red pepper contains capsaicin which is known to have anti-inflammatory properties and boosts metabolism.

Lime is rich in vitamin C which helps boost the immune system and fight off infections. It also aids digestion and has anti-aging properties.

Variations

If you want to make this recipe vegan, omit the chicken broth and use vegetable broth instead. You can also use coconut cream instead of heavy cream to make it dairy-free. If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of red pepper.

Related Article Chilled red pepper gazpacho with lime

Additionally, you can add other spices such as cumin or coriander to give the dish an exotic twist.

Conclusion

This spicy vichyssoise with red pepper and lime soup is a creative and healthy twist on the classic French dish. It is refreshing, creamy, and spicy all at the same time. It makes the perfect appetizer or refreshing lunch on a hot summer day.

This recipe is easy to customize to suit your taste preferences and dietary requirements.