POTATO LEEK SOUP

Potato Leek Soup image

Provided by Bryan Miller

Categories dinner, soups and stews, main course

Time 1h

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

4 Idaho potatoes, peeled and diced
Salt and freshly ground pepper
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large Spanish onion, peeled and diced
3 medium leeks, cleaned and diced
1 bouquet garni (bay leaves, parsley and thyme in cheesecloth; also available in specialty food markets)
4 cups chicken stock
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 bunches watercress, cleaned, stems removed and chopped
1 1/2 pounds bay scallops
1 bunch chives for garnish

Steps:

In a medium saucepan, cover 1/2 of the diced potatoes with cold water, and season with salt. Bring to a boil, and blanch until potatoes are tender, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat, drain and reserve.
In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add onions and leeks, and stir. Cover pot and saute, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.
Uncover, and add remaining potatoes, bouquet garni, salt, pepper, chicken stock and cream. Stir. Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat, uncovered. Simmer until potatoes are soft, about 15 minutes. Remove potatoes from heat; drain and reserve.
Using a food processor or blender, puree the soup in batches. Season to taste. Return soup to pot; add blanched potatoes and simmer over medium heat. When liquid simmers, add watercress and scallops. Cook 30 seconds, stirring once. Ladle soup into warm bowls; sprinkle with chives.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 494, UnsaturatedFat 9 grams, Carbohydrate 45 grams, Fat 25 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 23 grams, SaturatedFat 15 grams, Sodium 1304 milligrams, Sugar 8 grams, TransFat 0 grams