Thursday, July 29, 2010

Potato, Leek and Fennel Soup

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Have you cooked with fennel? Except for a slaw we made in the cooking classes I took earlier this year, I've never cooked with fennel. I am fascinated by the anise flavor and the fronds. Did you know the tops were called fronds? I didn't until I did some research on fennel. I couldn't pass up the beautiful fennel and leeks at the farmer's market. One of things I love most about cooking is finding recipes for ingredients I haven't used before. Of course, I turned to the internet and found this recipe on Epicurious for Potato, Leek and Fennel Soup.

If you like potato soup, you'll love this soup. It's a kicked up version of potato soup. The fennel gives it a great flavor. It doesn't have a strong anise flavor, just enough to enhance the taste. I used russet potatoes, added garlic and shallots. Besides the flavor, I love that this soup is creamy without any cream!




Potato, Leek and Fennel Soup
Adapted from Epicurious

2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
2 cups sliced leeks (white and pale green parts only)
2 cups sliced fennel bulb, fronds reserved for garnish
2 garlic cloves, smashed and minced
1/2 shallot, minced
4 14 1/2-ounce cans low-salt chicken broth
2 pounds potatoes peeled, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 4 cups)
Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Melt butter in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add leeks, fennel, garlic, shallots and sauté until leeks are translucent, about 7 minutes. Add broth and potatoes and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer soup until potatoes are very tender, about 25 minutes. Working in batches, purée soup in blender. Return to same pot. Rewarm soup if necessary. Season with salt and pepper. Ladle soup into bowls; garnish with reserved fennel fronds and serve.

I am linking this to Foodie Friday at Designs by Gollum. Also, this is my entry for Souper Sunday's, hosted by Deb at Kahaki Kitchen.

14 comments:

  1. I have not cooked much with fennel. This soup sounds wonderful...I am going to cook with fennel soon!

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  2. I haven't cooked with fennel but I've been tempted to. I am trying to reach out of my comfort zone and use foods that aren't regular to me. This soup sounds interesting, I'd love to try it!

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  3. What a pretty picture. I haven't cooked with fennel either but I have had it and enjoy it when the flavour can be subtle. I do not like it plain. I remember it being served to me in France like that. Uck! So this looks right up my alley. I invite you to link this up at my Vegetarian Foodie Fridays carnival.
    Melodie @ www.breastfeedingmomsunite.com

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  4. I often cook with fennel. It is gorgeous roasted with potatoes and served with roasted chicken! Yum! I haven't had it in soup, though, so thanks for the recipe.

    Best wishes for a wonderful weekend,
    Natasha.

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  5. I have never cooked with fennel. The anise flavor scares me, but if you say that it's not a strong flavor in this soup, I'm willing to give it a try. It looks like a tasty soup!

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  6. I love fennel since first trying it recently! Have been throwing it into salads whenever I can! Copying this recipe, looks delicious, great combination of flavors! Have to try it! Thanks :)

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  7. I have never cooked with fennel but you have inspired me to do so because this dish looks great.

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  8. I love potato soup. I have never cooked with leeks before. I really need to try it out! Looks delicious!!

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  9. I love fennel and will most certainly try this recipe. I have made a couple of great fennel recipes this past year including Ina's onion and fennel soup gratin and her potato fennel gratin - both delicious. I can't wait to try this one too!

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  10. This looks absolutely delicious. Sorry I haven't been by for a while. Life is busy for me at the moment

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  11. It is so pretty with the fennel fronds on top. Fennel has become a favorite ingredient of mine lately.

    Thanks for joining in Souper Sundays this week--I hope to have you back!

    Aloha,

    Deb

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  12. I have only made one dish with leeks, and it didn't taste very good. It wasn't bad- it was just not interesting. I like the addition of fennel in this recipe so I look forward to trying this soup.

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  13. Oh, this has to be good and with our temperatures having dropped into the low 60's, it feels like soup weather.

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  14. I can go for a bowl of this fennel soup today.

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