Introduction
Inspired by the beloved animated movie Ratatouille, this cozy and comforting soup brings the iconic film’s magic to your kitchen. Remy’s culinary masterpiece is imagined here as a creamy blend of sautéed leeks, earthy mushrooms, velvety potatoes, and fragrant herbs. This soup pays homage to classic French flavors while adding a comforting, modern twist. Perfect for a rainy evening or a cozy family dinner.

What Makes This Different from Traditional Ratatouille?
Classic ratatouille is a French vegetable stew featuring zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, peppers, and onions. However, the animated film version features a rich, creamy soup with leeks, cream, and herbs—a dish that seems to blend elements of soupe aux champignons and vichyssoise. This recipe is an imaginative interpretation of that heartwarming scene.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 yellow onions, chopped
- 2 leeks (white parts only), chopped (~1 cup)
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped
- 8 oz (250 g) brown mushrooms, chopped
- 3 cups (300 g) peeled and cubed potatoes (~10 oz)
- 1 tsp salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- 5 cups (1.15 l) vegetable broth
- ½ cup (115 ml) dry white wine (optional; sub with more broth)
- 1 sprig each of fresh thyme, parsley, marjoram, and lemon balm
- 1 cup (40 g) grated parmesan (or nutritional yeast for vegan)
- ½ cup (115 ml) heavy cream (or plant-based cream for dairy-free)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and leeks, cooking until softened (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add Mushrooms and Garlic: Stir in the chopped mushrooms, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until mushrooms are golden and fragrant.
- Simmer Soup: Add potatoes, broth, white wine (if using), and fresh herbs. Bring to a gentle boil, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Finish the Base: Remove herb sprigs. Stir in the grated parmesan and cream until melted and well combined.
- Blend to Preference: Let the soup cool slightly. Using an immersion blender or regular blender (in batches), blend the soup to your preferred consistency. For a chunkier soup, reserve some unblended soup.
- Serve: Reheat if needed. Garnish with more parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, and fresh herbs.
Katie’s Tips
- Quality Broth: A rich, low-sodium vegetable broth without additives is essential for great flavor.
- Saute for Depth: Browning the leeks and mushrooms adds richness and depth.
- Blend with Care: Blend in small batches if using a regular blender. Always allow hot liquids to cool slightly.
FAQs
Can I make this vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Use plant-based cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and parmesan.
How do I store it?
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
More Soup Recipes
- Broccoli Pea Soup
- Pumpkin Carrot Soup
- Vegetarian Laksa
Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: 373 kcal | Carbs: 23g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Sodium: 2218mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g