POTATO, LEEK AND WATERCRESS SOUP WITH BAY SCALLOPS

Potato, Leek and Watercress Soup with Bay Scallops image

Provided by Food Network

Time 1h10m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

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4 Idaho potatoes, peeled and sliced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large Spanish onions, peeled and medium diced
3 medium leeks, cleaned and chopped
1 bouquet garni: cheesecloth packet containing, parsley, peppercorns, bay leaf and thyme sprigs
Salt
White pepper
4 cups chicken stock
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 bunches watercress, cleaned, stems removed and coarsely chopped
1 1/2 pounds fresh bay scallops (rock shrimp or crabmeat can be substituted)
Chopped chives, for garnish

Steps:

In a medium saucepan, cover 1/2 of the potatoes with cold water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and blanch until tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, drain and reserve.
In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onions and leeks and stir. Cover the pot and saute the onions and leeks until they are translucent, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Uncover, and add the raw potatoes, the bouquet garni, salt and pepper, chicken stock and cream, and stir. Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat, uncovered. Simmer until the potatoes are soft, cooking for about 15 minutes. Remove from heat.
Using a blender, puree the soup in batches. Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper. Return the soup to the pot, add the blanched potatoes, and place over medium heat. When the soup begins to simmer, add the watercress and scallops, and cook for 30 seconds, stirring once. Ladle the soup into hot bowls and sprinkle with chives. Serve immediately.