BRIGHT GREEN LEEK SOUP

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Bright Green Leek Soup image

A creamy soup doesn't have to mean lots of cream. Puréed leeks in this soup provide body as well as flavor, and a handful of rice helps give it a smooth consistency. For a brilliant green taste and color, let the soup cool completely before blending in the spinach. Take the time to strain through a fine-meshed sieve for the best texture.

Provided by David Tanis

Categories     dinner, lunch, soups and stews, appetizer

Time 1h

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

6 medium leeks, about 3 pounds
4 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper
4 garlic cloves, minced
Pinch of cayenne
1/2 cup rice
8 cups hot chicken broth or water
10 ounces baby spinach, washed
Grated nutmeg, to taste
1/2 cup crème fraîche
2 tablespoons thinly sliced chives, for garnish
2 tablespoons thinly sliced tarragon, for garnish

Steps:

  • Trim leeks of outer layer and stems. Chop white and tender green parts into 1/2-inch chunks (discard tough gray-green parts). Soak leeks in a large bowl of lukewarm water, swishing to dislodge sand. Drain and soak again, then lift leeks from water, leaving any sediment behind.
  • Melt butter in a heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium heat. Add leeks and season well with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until leeks are wilted, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Add garlic, cayenne and rice and cook for 1 minute. Add hot broth and bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Simmer until rice is very soft, about 25 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely before proceeding.
  • Using a blender, purée the raw spinach with the cooled soup mixture. Strain the soup through a fine-meshed sieve, discarding any fibrous solids. Adjust seasoning and add a little grated nutmeg. Thin soup with broth or water if necessary.
  • Heat soup through just before serving, to preserve the bright green color. Garnish each serving with a tablespoon of crème fraîche and a sprinkling of chives and tarragon.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 268, UnsaturatedFat 5 grams, Carbohydrate 32 grams, Fat 12 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 10 grams, SaturatedFat 6 grams, Sodium 1120 milligrams, Sugar 7 grams, TransFat 0 grams

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