Category Archives: 2. Soups

Potage Parmentier

Posted on January 28, 2022 by Meg

Hiding beneath its rather grand name, potage Parmentier is familiar to every child in France as potage poireaux-pommes de terre, or creamy leek-and-potato soup. It takes its name from Antoine Parmentier, who won royal approval of the potato (seriously!) on … Continue reading →

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Soupe provençale au basilic

Posted on August 27, 2021 by Meg

This zingy soup came about thanks to a visit I made to Provence last summer. While staying with friends in St-Rémy during a break between lockdowns, I came across an old cookbook of regional dishes and was intrigued to see … Continue reading →

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Soupe de pois cassés

Posted on January 8, 2021 by Meg

This is a French take on that cold-weather classic, split pea soup. A traditional dish in Alsace, where it is known as as erbsesupp, it has a smoky flavor, imparted by bacon, while a drizzle of cream lends a soothing … Continue reading →

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Velouté de brocolis

Posted on October 9, 2020 by Meg

Some days you just need a nice bowl of soup. And the French take on broccoli soup is just right for easing body and soul given the climate of this turbulent autumn (and I’m not talking about the weather). The … Continue reading →

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Gaspacho

Posted on May 22, 2020 by Meg

Sumer is icumen in… Yes, summer’s on its way, and with it gazpacho season. This flavor-packed chilled soup, which arrived in France from Spain, has many variants — including in spelling and pronunciation. The standard ingredients are tomatoes, cucumber, green … Continue reading →

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Soupe d’agneau aux herbes

Posted on August 16, 2019 by Meg

The subtle flavors of lamb, barley, carrots and gentle spices combine to make a soup that is both satisfying and light, perfect for taking the chill off now that cooler days are arriving at last. Topped with fresh cilantro and … Continue reading →

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Soupe de haricots blancs

Posted on January 11, 2019 by Meg

With the holidays behind us, it’s time for simpler fare. Rustic and wholesome, French white bean soup makes a fine January meal. Begin or follow with a salad, add some cheese and fruit, open a bottle of red and voilà. … Continue reading →

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Soupe pho au boeuf

Posted on May 11, 2018 by Meg

Pho, the remarkably fragrant, herb-topped Vietnamese beef and noodle soup,  is ubiquitous in Paris. I never considered preparing it at home until a recent day when my daughter asked me to make it for dinner. As one who enjoys a … Continue reading →

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Velouté de butternut

Posted on January 19, 2018 by Meg

Butternut soup is suddenly the rage in Paris. Walk down any street and you will see it listed on menu-of-the-day chalkboards outside bistros. This is all the more surprising given that butternut squash was virtually unknown in France until a … Continue reading →

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Crème de poivrons rouges

Posted on July 21, 2017 by Meg

This little gem of a recipe for chilled red pepper soup was inspired by a recent visit to one of my favorite Paris restaurants, Zebulon, where it was served as a surprise “palate teaser”, with a tiny savory biscuit and … Continue reading →

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