Technically this is a vichyssoise with Frankfurters, but that’s not a title that will impress the kids. Sausage soup is what we call it, and it’s the combination of a catchy title and, well, sausages that make it a fail-safe option when friends stay over or spirits are low. 

It’s quickly made – including cutting and cooking it takes around 40 minutes, and that includes 20 minutes of it simmering away quietly. And it warms up brilliantly the next day: for years my son would warm up a portion in the microwave to take it to school in a thermos canister. 

You don’t need many ingredients for a sausage soup

• 3-4 leeks (400g or so)
• 1 kg potatoes
• Frankfurters, to taste
• 2 l vegetable stock or vegetable stock powder
• pinch of nutmeg
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbs butter
• 1 tbs oil

Heat the butter and oil in a casserole dish: butter gives it a nicer flavour, and the oil prevents the butter from turning brown. Cut the leeks lengthwise to be able to clean out the soil trapped between the leaves. Cut off as much of the green as you absolutely have to (your kids might not like the soup to be too green…) before slicing the leeks. Add the slices to the hot butter and let them sweat at a medium heat while you peel and cut the potatoes. You don’t want the leek to burn, so keep tossing it occasionally.

The perfectly sweated leek, waiting for the potato chunks to be added

Add the potato slices or cubes and give it all a good stir before adding the stock. Add water, if necessary, to fully cover the vegetables. Cover and simmer for around 20 minutes or until the potatoes are cooked.

With an electric blender, blend it to a smooth puree; you might need to add water to get a nice consistency. Return to the hob at a low heat.

Cut the sausages into slices: the rule of thumb is the nicer the sausage, the thicker the slices. Add the slices to your soup, stir well and leave them to heat up a bit before seasoning the soup as the sausages are often rather salty. Finish it off with some freshly ground nutmeg.

Our kids – and their friends – love this soup and often ask for it. Have you got any fail-safe midweek miracles you’d be willing to share? I am looking forward to your ideas!