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Cream of Belgian Endive Soup

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 8 to 10

Ingredients

2 medium leeks, white and light-green parts only
8 heads Belgian endive, plus more for garnish
2 medium russet potatoes
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup dry white wine
5 cups homemade or low-sodium canned chicken or vegetable stock
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
Generous pinch of freshly grated nutmeg

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Cut the leeks in half lengthwise. Rinse well under cold running water to remove any grit. Thinly slice crosswise; set aside.

    Step 2

    Cut the endives in half lengthwise, and cut out the cores. Thinly slice crosswise; set aside.

    Step 3

    Peel the potatoes, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces. Set aside in a bowl of cold water.

    Step 4

    Heat the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the leeks; cook until they start to soften, about 3 minutes. Drain the potatoes well; add to the pot along with the sliced endive. Cook until the vegetables begin to soften, about 10 minutes; do not let brown.

    Step 5

    Add the wine and stock, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook until the vegetables are very tender, about 1 hour. Cool slightly.

    Step 6

    Transfer the soup in batches to a blender (fill no more than halfway), or pass it through a food mill. Return the soup to a clean saucepan; stir in the cream. Bring to a simmer; remove from heat. Season with the salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Garnish with the endive.

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Reprinted with permission from The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook: The New Classics by Martha Stewart Living Magazine, copyright © 2007. Published by Clarkson Potter, a division of The Crown Publishing Group. Buy the full book from Amazon.
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