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Food & Wine Recipe

Chicory-Leek Soup

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  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME: 45 MIN
  • SERVINGS: MAKES ABOUT 3 QUARTS
  • HEALTHY
  • MAKE-AHEAD

  1. 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  2. 2 large leeks, white and tender green parts only, chopped
  3. 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds
  4. 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds
  5. 6 pounds chicory, tough outer leaves discarded, the rest chopped
  6. 2 1/2 quarts chicken stock
  7. 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  8. 2 tablespoons mild honey
  9. Salt and freshly ground white pepper
  1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan. Add the leeks, celery and caraway seeds and cook over moderate heat until the leeks soften, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl. Wipe out the saucepan.
  2. Meanwhile, prepare an ice water bath. In a large pot of boiling salted water, blanch the chicory in batches until tender, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the chicory to the ice bath to cool. Drain and squeeze dry, add to the leeks and toss.
  3. Working in batches, in a blender, puree the vegetables and stock. Strain the soup through a coarse sieve into the saucepan; bring to a simmer. Stir in the vinegar and honey. Season with salt and white pepper and serve.
Make Ahead The soup can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Serve With Sourdough croutons and dollops of fresh goat cheese.