The subtle onion like flavor of leeks and tarragon lends itself well to citrus overtones and this rich soup is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
6 SERVINGS
- 1½ cups chilled whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon Cointreau or other orange liqueur
- 2 teaspoons finely grated orange peel
- ¼ cup (½ stick) butter
- 5 cups chopped leaks (white and pale green parts only; about 4 large)
- 1½ pounds russet potatoes, peeled, cut into ½-inch pieces
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh tarragon
- 5 cups (or more) chicken stock or canned low salt- chicken broth
- Fresh chervil leaves
Using electric mixer,beat ½ cup cream, Cointreau and orange peel in large bowl until firm peaks form. Cover and refrigerate orange cream up to 8 hours.
Melt butter in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add leeks and sauté until translucent, about 10 minutes. Add potatoes and tarragon; stir 2 minutes. Add 5 cups chicken stock. Bring mixture to boil. Reduce heat to low, cover partially and simmer until potatoes are very tender, about 25 minutes. Mix in remaining 1 cup cream.
Working in batches, puree soup in blender until smooth. Return to pot. Thin with more stock, if desired. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 8 hours ahead. Chill until cold, then cover. Rewarm soup over medium heat before continuing.)
Preheat broiler. Ladle soup into 6 broilerproof bowls. Spoon dollop of orange cream atop each serving. Broil until cream begins to brown, about 1 minute. Garnish with chervil leaves and serve.
Related posts:
Orange, hearty and filling – It sounds marvelous; I want to try this! Also, “cream of” got me – I love orange flavored foods…how ironic you posted this orange soup recipe; since as of this weekend, I’ve been working on my next post of my version of orange Cornish hen!
Hmmm…an orange themed dinner. Start with this soup, move on to the orange Cornish hens and then for dessert a blood orange and strawberry trifle…yum!
I’m ready!
What an unusual and intriguing combination of ingredients!
Yes, I love the subtle citrus overtones in this soup which is actually quite hearty and filling.