Callaloo

Ingredients

1. 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3. 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
4. 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped garlic
5. 4 slices of bacon, coarsely chopped
6. 1/2 pound callaloo (see Note) or spinach, stemmed, leaves cut into 1/2 -inch ribbons
7. 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons basil
8. 1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves
9. 2 tablespoons celery leaves
10. 4 cups water
11. 1/2 cup heavy cream
12. Salt and freshly ground pepper

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter in the oil. Add the onion and cook over moderate heat until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until softened but not browned, about 2 minutes. Add the bacon and cook, stirring frequently, until the fat is rendered, about 5 minutes. Add the callaloo, basil, parsley and celery leaves and cook over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until the greens are wilted and barely tender, about 7 minutes.
2. Add the water to the saucepan and bring to a boil. Cover and cook over moderate heat until the greens are soft, about 10 minutes. Puree the soup in batches in a blender until perfectly smooth. Return the soup to the saucepan, add the cream and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and then serve in soup plates.