makes about 5 cups, serving 4 as a small first-course
2 lbs. leeks (white and pale green parts only; about 2 bunches)
3 T unsalted butter
1 1/4 t sugar
1/4 c vermouth
3 1/2 c chicken broth
Optional garnish: 4 t finely sliced fresh chives & Raclette cheese toasts
Halve leeks lengthwise and thinly slice crosswise. In a large bowl of cold water wash leeks well and lift from water into a large sieve to drain. In a 6-quart heavy kettle cook leeks in butter over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until some begin to turn golden, about 40 minutes. Stir in sugar and cook, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes. Stir in vermouth and cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid is evaporated and most leeks are golden, 10 to 15 minutes. Deglaze kettle with 1/2 cup broth and cook, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes more, until liquid is evaporated and leeks are deep golden. Add remaining 3 cups broth and bring soup just to a boil. Season soup with salt and pepper.
Tip from my kitchen to yours:
I’ve made this twice now. First time, I stirred it too often which messes up the carmelization process. It was still delicious, but the second time, I forced myself to stop stirring so much, which browned them more (see third picture) and created the burnt bits at the bottom of the pot which you then deglaze. I think it was better the second time!
recipe from Gourmet Magazine.
& for some Hunt attempted-Christmas-traditions, go here.
Ooh this sounds delicious, Bridget! I needed a soup recipe for my christmas party; I'm going to make this one for sure 🙂 Thank you!
1. this looks amazing. and i'd like to try it immediately.
and 2. i spent a very long time staring at your header trying to figure out how someone who looks as young as you could possibly have a son as old as he must be to be that tall. does that make sense? there's a compliment in there somewhere.
oooh this looks so yummy. i love leeks. my mom always puts them in her mashed potatoes. it's damn good.
I just recently tried leeks for the first time in a broccoli leek soup, and they're my new favorite thing to cook with. They have SO much flavor!!
mmmmmmm. i love leeks. especially in soup. so delicious.
i think i could eat soup everyday. i'm even eating some now as i type. yummy.
I just found your blog… I read the whole of your love story and I loved it. It was quite hard to read some parts, because they remainded me of a bad episode in my life, but your story is a beautiful and romantic tale :).
I am following you to read more about the tales of you and the husband. ;).
This looks seriously delicious. I just may have to try it soon!
oh my gosh this sounds and looks just to yummy 🙂
Zoe
http://blessedbeeapothecary.blogspot.com/
oh.my.word.
this looks uh-mazing!
yum. i feel like i can smell this deliciousness all the way from here.
This looks so yummy, and perf for cold winter evenings in Boston!
~Kirsten
http://triplemaxtons.blogspot.com
iiiiiiiiiiii'm going to have to make this now.