Title: Root Vegetable Soup
Categories: Vegetable Soup
Yield: 6 Servings
2 | lg | Leeks white part only |
4 | tb | Unsalted butter |
2 1/2 | tb | All purpose flour |
6 | c | Homemade chicken stock |
3 | md | Carrots peeled and cubed |
3 | md | Turnips peeled and cubed |
2 | md | Parsnips peeled and cubed |
2 | md | Red potatoes peeled and cubed |
2 | | Hearts of bibb lettuce leaves separated and rinsed |
2 | c | Fresh spinach leaves stemmed and rinsed |
| | Salt and white pepper to taste |
1/2 | c | Heavy cream |
2 | tb | Fine minced chives and parsley for garnish |
Cut the leeks in half lengthwise and then crosswise into thin
slices. Place in a colander and run under warm water to remove
all traces of sand. Drain and set aside. In a large casserole,
melt the butter over low heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring
constantly for one minute without browning. Add the chicken
stock and whisk until well blended. Add the reserved leeks,
carrots, turnips, parsnips and potatoes. Bring to a boil,
reduce heat and simmer until the vegetables are almost tender.
Add the lettuce and spinach leaves to the soup, and season with
salt and pepper. The lettuce should just wilt, but stillremain
crisp. Do not overcook. Before serving, add the heavy cream and
heat the soup through without letting it come to a boil.
Transfer the soup to a large tureen, sprinkle with chives and
parlsey and serve hot with thin slices of black bread.