CURRIED SQUASH SOUP WITH FRIZZLED LEEKS

Curried Squash Soup with Frizzled Leeks image

Yield Makes about 12 cups

Number Of Ingredients 12

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For soup
white and pale green parts of 1 pound leeks ( about 4 medium), chopped
1 medium onion chopped
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
3 1/2 pounds butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 8 cups)
1 medium carrot chopped
4 cups chicken broth
4 cups water
For frizzled leeks
white and pale green parts of 1/2 pound leeks (about 2 medium), cut crosswise into 2-inch pieces
vegetable oil for deep-frying

Steps:

Make soup:
In a large bowl of water wash leeks and drain by lifting leeks from water into a colander. In a heavy kettle cook onion in butter over moderately low heat, stirring until softened. Add leeks and salt to taste and cook, stirring, until softened. Add curry powder and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add remaining soup ingredients and simmer, covered, 30 minutes, or until vegetables are soft.
Cool soup slightly and in a blender or food processor purée in batches, transferring as puréed to a bowl. Season soup with salt and pepper. Soup may be made 5 days ahead and cooled, uncovered, before chilling, covered. Reheat soup, thinning with water if desired.
Make frizzled leeks:
Cut leeks lengthwise into thin strips. In a bowl of water wash leeks and drain by lifting leeks from water into a colander. Dry leeks very well between layers of paper towels.
In a saucepan at least 3 1/2 inches deep heat 1 inch oil to 375°F. on a deep-fat thermometer. Working in very small batches fry leeks (oil will bubble up quite high) until golden, about 10 to 15 seconds, transferring with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain. Season frizzled leeks with salt. Leeks may be fried 1 day ahead and kept in an airtight container at room temperature.
Serve soup topped with frizzled leeks.