Potato Leek Soup

Back in 2005, my husband Brad and I took a trip to Seattle for his brother's wedding. They took us down to Pike's Place Market and we went into the this little olive oil store and tasted tons of different kinds. That got old quick so the owner brought out little cups of potato leek soup to try the olive oil with, and it was so delicious, so now almost 5 years later I decided to try and find a recipe close to the one I tried. I found a very simple one on the Williams-Sonoma website, and it turned out better then I expected. Next time I will try and find another way to puree it, the blender didn't puree it well enough.

In a large saucepan over medium-low heat melt butter until it start to foam, then add leeks and saute 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
Add potatoes and carrots and then cover with water or vegetable broth, increase heat and bring to a boil, and then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered until vegetables are soft.

Use a food mill with a medium disk (I use a blender) and puree soup in batches. Finish with 1/4 cup of cream, top with sliced chives and a lemon.

Ingredients:
1 lb. leeks (about 3 medium)
2 Tbs. unsalted butter
1 lb. baking potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1/4 cup heavy cream if serving hot or 1/2 cup
cream if serving cold
4 thin lemon slices
Fresh chives for garnish
Directions:
Trim the leeks, leaving about 1 inch of the tender green portions, then rinse them. Cut crosswise into slices 1/2 inch thick.

In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. When foaming, add the leeks and sauté, stirring occasionally, until they have wilted a little, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the potatoes and carrots, then add water just to cover the vegetables. Increase the heat to medium and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, until the vegetables are tender when pierced with the tip of a knife, about 30 minutes.

Fit a food mill with the medium disk and set the mill over a large bowl. Using a ladle or a large spoon and working in batches, transfer the cooked vegetables and their liquid to the food mill and turn the handle to puree.

If serving the soup hot, return the pureed vegetables to the saucepan and season with salt and pepper. Set the saucepan over medium-low heat, stir in the 1/4 cup cream and heat to just under a boil. Add a little water if the puree is too thick. Taste and adjust the seasonings.

Ladle into warmed bowls and float a lemon slice on top of each serving. Using scissors, cut the chives into pieces 1/4 inch long and sprinkle the chives on the lemon slices. Serve immediately.

If serving the soup cold, do not return the puree to the saucepan. Instead, cover the bowl and refrigerate the puree until well chilled. When ready to serve, season with salt and pepper and stir in the 1/2 cup cream, mixing well. Taste and adjust the seasonings.

Ladle into chilled bowls. Float a lemon slice on top of each serving and garnish with the chives as directed above.
Serves 4.