CREAMY FENNEL AND GREENS SOUP

Creamy Fennel and Greens Soup image

Provided by Kay Chun

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 fennel bulb, trimmed and chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1 pound mixed dark leafy greens such as collard and beet, coarse stems and center ribs discarded and leaves chopped
6 cups water
3 cups baby spinach (2 ounces)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Garnish: fennel fronds or chopped dill

Steps:

Heat oil and butter in a 6-quart heavy pot over medium heat until foam subsides. Add fennel, onion, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned, 7 to 8 minutes.
Add leafy greens (but not spinach) and water to pot and simmer, covered, until greens are tender, about 30 minutes. Stir in spinach and cook, uncovered, just until wilted, about 1 minute.
Purée soup in batches in a blender (use caution when blending hot liquids) until smooth, then return to pot. Stir in cream and lemon juice and reheat over low heat. Season with salt.
Cooks' note:
Soup can be made 2 days ahead and chilled (covered once cool). Reheat or serve cold.