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Leek Soup
Leeks look like an oversized green
onion but have a much milder flavor. I've been
told (by the author of French Women Don't Get Fat), that leek broth is the
miracle
detox that all the American diet books are after.
Drink it for a weekend and that croissant binge
is water under the
Regardless of her detox lure, I went for a heartier version than a simple
broth. Leek soup, one with a
plentitude of carrots, potatoes, and, yes, leeks, will have you dusting off
your copy of French Kiss in no time, complete with a little fantasy moment
where you live life in the rustic countryside with
Kevin Kline
turned French vineyard owner.
In all reality though, my friend who actually is from the French countryside, tells me that leek soup was a family staple, and this recipe is based on her version. Thanks, Cindy, for bringing a bit of charm to my table.
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| Slice 3
leeks into rings. Start with the
white and cut about mid-way into the green.
The tops of the leek get tougher and weaker in flavor, so I discard
them. |
Leeks grow up through the dirt, so they need a thorough
washing. Fill your sink with a
few inches of water and rinse the chopped leeks.
Drain the water and fill it back up.
Any remaining dirt will fall to the bottom, leaving the clean leeks
floating on top. |
Spread the leeks out on a clean dish towel, and
then roll it up and wring dry.
This will get rid of any remaining water. |
| 3 leeks 4 carrots 5 russet potatoes 1T flour 5T butter 5 1/4 C chicken broth 1 1/2 t salt 1/4 t pepper |
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Now that you have perfectly clean leeks prepped, chop the vegetables. Look at all
that beautiful color! Don't
worry, you're almost eating. |
In a large stock pot, saute leeks in 5T butter until
soft, 2-3 minutes. Don't skimp
on the butter: this is a vegetable soup.
You need a little fat somewhere in this meal!
Next, sprinkle leeks with 1T flour and stir to combine. |
Add 5 1/4 C chicken broth and salt and pepper to taste.
I recommend about 1 3/4 t salt and 1/4 t pepper.
Reserve 1 C of the leeks and puree the remaining stock until smooth.
Add the vegetables and simmer until they are soft, about 10 minutes.
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Add the reserved leeks back into the soup, adjust the
salt, and serve. And remember,
the leftovers will taste even better tomorrow.
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Problems: If you don't add
enough butter or salt and pepper, instead of French countryside, you'll be
thinking trash bin. Go ahead and add some butter, salt, and pepper at
the end if it doesn't taste rich enough yet. |
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Leek Soup (Serves 4) 3 leeks
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Recipes
