Warmth in the gale: Potato-Leek soup

[ragnvaeig]

We've had gale-force wind gusts and intermittent downpours today, so my only venture beyond my cosy cottage was to the Superquinn for groceries and to the compost heap to get rid of the remnants of what I've done to make the cottage even more cosy. I had a definite moment, staring into the fridge, of "What the hell do I make with all this?" so I put together

Potato-Leek Soup

tablespoon butter
half an onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 rooster potatoes, washed and diced
chicken stock
thyme, either a spring of fresh or a couple pinches of dried
1 leek, sliced
1 cup cream
salt and pepper

Melt the butter in a 4L/1 gal stock pot, and over medium heat, sauté the onion and garlic until tender. Add the potatoes. Cover with chicken stock, and season with thyme. Simmer until the potatoes are tender, and squish when you mash them against the side of the pot with the back of a spoon. Add some of the leek, and simmer about five minutes. Using an immersion blender, purée until relatively smooth. Add the rest of the leek, the cream and the seasonings. Heat through, and serve with rye toast and smoked salmon.

V. good for cold and blustery days, as it's a lovely thick and filling stew.