Potato and Leek Soup

Name: Potato and Leek Soup
Cook time: P0Y0M0DT0H35M0.000S
Total time: P0Y0M0DT0H55M0.000S
Yield: 4 to 6 servings (about 6 cups)
Ingredients: 1 large or 2 small leeks, about 1 pound; 2 bay leaves; 20 black peppercorns; 4 sprigs fresh thyme; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 strips bacon, chopped; 1/2 cup dry white wine; 5 cups chicken stock; 1 to 1 1/4 pounds russet potatoes, diced into 1-inch cubes; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, plus more if needed; 3/4 teaspoon white pepper, plus more if needed; 1/2 to 3/4 cup creme fraiche or heavy cream; 2 tablespoons snipped chives

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Level: Easy

Total: 55 min
Active: 35 min

Yield: 4 to 6 servings (about 6 cups)

Level: Easy

Total: 55 min
Active: 35 min

Yield: 4 to 6 servings (about 6 cups)

Ingredients

1 large or 2 small leeks, about 1 pound

2 bay leaves

20 black peppercorns

4 sprigs fresh thyme

2 tablespoons butter

2 strips bacon, chopped

1/2 cup dry white wine

5 cups chicken stock

1 to 1 1/4 pounds russet potatoes, diced into 1-inch cubes

1 1/2 teaspoons salt, plus more if needed

3/4 teaspoon white pepper, plus more if needed

1/2 to 3/4 cup creme fraiche or heavy cream

2 tablespoons snipped chives

Directions

Trim the green portion 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. (Alternatively, tie 2 leek leaves, the 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 and add the bacon. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is very soft and has rendered most of its fat. Add the chopped leeks and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes. Add the wine and bring to a boil. Add the reserved bouquet garni, chicken stock, potatoes, salt and white pepper, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are falling apart and the soup is very flavorful.
Remove the bouquet garni and, working in batches, quickly puree the soup in a food processor or blender, letting it run for about 5 seconds. (Alternatively, if you own an immersion blender, puree the soup directly in the pot.) Stir in the creme fraiche and adjust the seasoning, if necessary. Serve immediately, with some of the snipped chives sprinkled over the top of each bowl of soup.

When blending hot liquid, first let it cool for five minutes or so, then transfer it to a blender, filling only halfway. Put the lid on, leaving one corner open. Cover the lid with a kitchen towel to catch splatters, and pulse until smooth.