🥣 Soup, velouté or potage? Differences and tips – Neary
Quick answer: The difference between soup, velouté and potage is mainly based on the texture and the ingredients used 🥄. Soup refers to any liquid mixture of vegetables, potage is a refined soup sometimes blended or not, while velouté is distinguished by its ultra-smooth texture, obtained by adding cream or a binder for an irresistible creaminess 😍.
What are the real differences between soup, velouté and potage?
It's impossible to miss soup in winter, whether it's to warm up after a walk or to stock up on local vegetables 🥕. But between soup, velouté and potage, are you lost? You're not alone! Here is finally the clear explanation 👩🍳:
- Soup : This is the generic term for any liquid preparation made from vegetables (sometimes meat or fish) cooked in broth. It can be blended or not, smooth or chunky. For example, traditional onion soup remains rustic, with its melting chunks and gratinated croutons 🧅.
- Soup : More refined, in classical cuisine, soup refers to a preparation often passed through a sieve to remove fibers, sometimes enriched with bread or starch. There are also blended or clear soups, depending on the recipe. A classic example: Parmentier soup (leek-potato) 🥔.
- Velouté : Here, texture is king! Velouté is an ultra-fine blended soup or broth, enriched with cream, butter or egg yolk to give it that “velvety” feel in the mouth 😋. Parsnip velouté, for example, is smooth and soft – a real winter caress. Discover our favorite parsnip-pear-roasted hazelnut velouté recipe!
In summary: Soup = everything , potage = refined , velvety = ultra-smooth 🥄. The major difference therefore lies in the texture and the binder used.
To go further: see the explanation on DNA Cuisine
Chef's tips for a foolproof soup, velouté or stew! 🍲
- Choose seasonal vegetables : they're tastier and less expensive. Check out our guide to choosing squash for soup for inspiration! 🎃
- For a perfect velouté : blend the vegetables for a long time with a little cooking juice, then add cream or milk for the finishing touch. A powerful blender makes all the difference!
- Avoid adding too much salt at the beginning: adjust the seasoning after mixing so as not to mask the natural sweetness of the vegetables 🧂.
- Think about the garnish : homemade croutons, toasted seeds (pumpkin, sunflower), crushed hazelnuts or fresh herbs 🌿 instantly enhance a classic soup.
- A lighter soup? Replace the cream with almond milk or a dash of plain yogurt for a healthy yet indulgent version 🥛.
Three delicious examples to make a difference 🍽️
It's your turn: adapt the recipe to your tastes, add a touch of spice or a crunchy topping to enhance your preparation!
FAQ – We answer all your questions 🔍
Is the soup always blended?
No, soup can be blended or unblended. For example, rustic vegetable soup often contains chunks, while velouté is always blended and strained to achieve that smooth, creamy texture 🥄.
Can you make a velouté without cream?
Yes! For a lighter soup, you can use milk, plant-based milk, or even mashed potatoes to add creaminess without the cream. The trick is to blend and strain the soup well so it stays smooth on the palate 🥛.
What is the best squash for a creamy soup?
Butternut squash is perfect for a mild and velvety soup, but you can also use pumpkin or butternut squash. Need some inspiration? Check out our guide to choosing the right squash for soup 🎃.
Is soup healthier than soup?
Not necessarily, it all depends on the ingredients used. A soup can be very light, but some veloutés are enriched with cream or butter. The key is to favor fresh vegetables and limit the salt. You can also add legumes for a satiating effect 🥗.
Any tips for a soup that kids love?
Play with color (carrot, pumpkin, peas), offer fun toppings: croutons, grated cheese, small alphabet pasta... and let them choose the filling themselves. Guaranteed success! 😍
To go further 🍽️
- Lorraine Onion Soup – Tradition, comfort and local produce on the menu!
- Parsnip-pear-roasted hazelnut velouté – Impress your guests with an original recipe.
- Which squash should you choose for soup? – The smart guide to choosing and cooking according to the season.
- Read more about the difference between velouté/potage/soup (DNA Cuisine)
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