POTATO-FENNEL SOUP

Potato-Fennel Soup image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

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3 large leeks
1 large bulb fennel, diced (stems and fronds reserved)
1 large bulb fennel, diced (stems and fronds reserved)
3 large carrots, diced
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Cooking spray
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 1/2 cups skim milk
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and/or dill
1/2 cup low-fat ricotta cheese
4 slices crusty Italian bread, toasted

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Make the broth: Cut off the dark green tops of the leeks and put in a large pot along with the fennel stems and fronds; add 8 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium, cover and simmer 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, halve the remaining leeks lengthwise, then thinly slice and rinse. Put the carrots and half each of the sliced leeks and diced fennel on a foil-lined baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper, coat with cooking spray and toss. Roast until golden, about 25 minutes.
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add the remaining leeks and fennel and cook, stirring, until soft, about 4 minutes. Add the potatoes and 2 cups of the prepared broth. Cover and cook until tender, 15 minutes. Add 4 more cups broth and the milk; bring to a boil. Working in batches, transfer to a blender and puree; season with salt and pepper.
Ladle the soup into bowls; top with the roasted vegetables and chopped herbs. Spread the ricotta on the toasted bread and season with pepper; serve with the soup.