leek

When the chill of winter sets in, few dishes comfort me like this Cream of Cauliflower Soup. Known in French as “Crème du Barry”, this recipe is steeped in royal origin. This classic French recipe is made with a whole cauliflower head mixed with heavy cream and aromatics. Velvety smooth and deeply flavorful, it’s a lighter, vegetable-forward soup that deserves a place in every French cooking repertoire.

Known in French as Soupe Paysanne, this Cabbage and Sausage Soup is a rustic recipe that takes centre stage on French family tables throughout Winter. Every region and family have their own twist on it, but always with a hearty mix of vegetables and meats. This one is loaded with cabbage, carrots, leek, smoked pork sausage and potatoes in a flavourful broth. It is a perfectly hearty, stick-to-your-ribs soup that satisfies and warms you up during colder days.

Literally named “Chicken in a Pot”, Poule Au Pot is a traditional Sunday dinner in France. This rustic yet healthy dish consists of a whole chicken cooked with vegetables in a flavorful broth (no store-bought stock needed!). For such a simple recipe, the result is an incredibly flavorful dish, with fall-off-the-bone chicken guaranteed every time!

This Creamy Leek and Potato Soup, known in French as Soupe Vichyssoise (or sometimes “Potage Parmentier) is made of puréed leeks and potatoes, enriched with cream. This is a simple soup that’s absolutely comforting when enjoyed warm on a chilly day. But I love that you can also enjoy it chilled. It makes for a perfectly refreshing bowl during warmer days too.

Sole is one of my favorite fish, and in the Winter I love it even more nestled atop a creamy, buttery Leek fondue. The pairing of a delicate and juicy sole fillet with sweet caramelized leeks spiked with cream is just pure comfort to me… Yet, it’s also light and healthy-ish. If you’re looking for a no-fuss, delicious and slightly fancy recipe for your Valentine’s Day dinner (or any dinner date), this just may be the one!