ARUGULA VICHYSSOISE

Arugula Vichyssoise image

Yield Makes about 2 1/2 cups, serving 2

Number Of Ingredients 9

3/4 cup finely chopped white and pale green part of leek, washed well (about 1 leek)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 small russet (baking) potato, peeled, grated coarse (about 3/4 cup), and reserved in water to cover
2 cups low-salt chicken broth
2 cups packed arugula, washed well and spun dry
3 tablespoons half-and-half or heavy cream
1 slice of homemade-type white bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 small plum tomato, seeded and diced, for garnish

Steps:

In a small heavy saucepan cook the leek with salt and pepper to taste in 1 tablespoon of the oil over moderate heat, stirring, until it is softened, add the garlic, the potato, drained, and the broth, and simmer the mixture, covered, for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the potato is very soft. Stir in the arugula, simmer the mixture, covered, for 1 minute, and in a blender purée it in batches for 2 minutes, or until it is completely smooth. Transfer the purée to a metal bowl set in a larger bowl of ice and cold water, stir in the half-and half, and chill the soup, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes, or until it is cold.
While the soup is chilling, in small heavy skillet cook the bread cubes in the remaining 1 tablespoon over moderate heat, stirring, until they are browned, transfer the croutons to paper towels, and season them with salt. Divide the soup between 2 bowls and top it with the croutons and the tomato.