CHILLED WATERCRESS SOUP

Chilled Watercress Soup image

Yield Makes 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

3 cups (packed) watercress, thick stems trimmed
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
1 1/4 pounds russet potatoes, peeled, sliced into 1/4-inch-thick rounds
3 large leeks (white and pale green parts only), sliced
6 cups (or more) canned low-salt chicken broth
1/2 cup whipping cream
3 tablespoons minced fresh chives

Steps:

Blanch watercress in pot of boiling salted water 30 seconds. Drain; set aside.
Melt butter in heavy large pot over medium heat. Add potatoes and leeks; sauté 4 minutes. Add 6 cups broth. Bring to boil. Reduce heat; cover partially and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes. Add watercress; simmer uncovered 5 minutes. Cool 10 minutes.
Working in batches, puree soup in blender until smooth. Return soup to pot. Mix in cream. Season with salt and pepper. Chill at least 4 hours and up to 1 day. Thin with more broth, if desired. Ladle soup into bowls. Sprinkle with chives.