Cream of Young Carrot Soup
This creamy, golden soup with satisfying flavor may be transformed into party fare by liquidizing in the blender. A large bowlful with garlic croutons makes a good main dish for lunch or supper.
This creamy, golden soup with satisfying flavor may be transformed into party fare by liquidizing in the blender. A large bowlful with garlic croutons makes a good main dish for lunch or supper.
Yield:
Serves 6Ingredients
4 tablespoons butter
the white part of 2 leeks, sliced, or 1 bunch scallions
1/2 onion, sliced
1 stalk celery, sliced
1 bunch (1 pound) young carrots (if older carrots are used, discard the core and cut into narrow strips)
1 large potato, peeled and sliced
1/2 clove garlic, crushed
salt and white pepper
a little sugar
spice bag
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 cups milk
4 tablespoons cream
Instructions
Melt the butter in a heavy saucepan; add the sliced leeks (or scallions), onion, and celery, cover pan, and cook gently for 10 minutes. Uncover and add carrots, potato, garlic, salt, pepper, sugar, and herbs. Mix well, add water to cover and simmer until the vegetables are perfectly tender (about 40 minutes). Liquidize in the blender (or puree), then return puréed mixture to the same saucepan. Add cornstarch and milk and simmer for 3 minutes, Taste for seasoning. Just before serving, stir in cream. Garnish with a good quantity of finely chopped parsley or mint and tiny croutons fried in butter (and garlic, if desired).
