Emeril's Potato Leek Soup
I have to admit I stole this recipe from a Livejournal
post. It just looked so good and I want to try it!
1 large or 2 small leeks, about 1 pound
2 bay leaves
20 black peppercorns
4 sprigs fresh thyme
3 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup dry white wine
5 cups vegetable stock
1 to 1 1/4 pounds russet potatoes, diced
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 to 3/4 cup creme fraiche or heavy cream
2 tablespoons snipped chives
Trim the green portions of the leek and, using 2 of the largest and longest leaves, make a
bouquet garni by folding the 2 leaves around the bay leaves, peppercorns and thyme. Tie
into a package-shaped bundle with kitchen twine and set aside. (Alternately, tie 2 leek
leaves, bay leaves, peppercorns and thyme together in a piece of cheesecloth.)
Using a sharp knife, halve the white part of the leek lengthwise and rinse well under cold
running water to rid the leek of any sand. Slice thinly crosswise and set aside.
In a large soup pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped leeks and cook
until wilted, about 5 minutes. Add the wine and bring to a boil. Add the reserved bouquet
garni, vegetable stock, potatoes, salt and white pepper, and bring to a boil. Reduce the
heat to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are falling apart and the
soup is very flavorful.
Remove the bouquet garni and, working in batches, puree the soup in a food processor or
blender. (Alternately, if you own an immersion blender, puree the soup directly in the
pot.) Stir in the creme fraiche or cream and adjust the seasoning, if necessary. Serve
immediately, with some of the snipped chives sprinkled over the top of each bowl of soup.