HERB SOUP WITH CRAB

Herb Soup With Crab image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 1h25m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

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8 ounces lump crabmeat, picked over
1 cup chopped mixed herbs (such as parsley, chervil and/or basil)
1 lemon (1 teaspoon grated zest, plus the juice)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
6 slices white bread, cubed
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 bunch leeks, white and light green parts only, chopped
3/4 pound Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 medium bulb fennel, cored and chopped
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup heavy cream

Steps:

Toss the crab, 2 tablespoons herbs, half each of the lemon zest and juice, and salt and pepper to taste in a bowl; cover and refrigerate. Whisk the remaining lemon zest and juice with the olive oil in a separate bowl. Toss 1 tablespoon of the lemon oil with the bread cubes; season with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the bread cubes until golden, about 7 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a pot over medium heat. Add the leeks and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes. Add the potatoes and fennel and cook, about 7 minutes. Stir in the wine, 2 teaspoons salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; cook 2 more minutes. Add 5 cups water and 1/2 cup herbs. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium low and simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.
Puree the soup in a blender in batches. Return to the pot, add the cream and simmer until thick, 5 to 10 minutes. Add the remaining 6 tablespoons herbs; season with salt and pepper. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the crab, croutons and the remaining lemon oil.