Creamy Potato Soup with Lamb and Lima Beans

• Recipe by Marcia Kiesel

This North African-inspired soup is perfect for using up cooked lamb, or substitute leftover beef.

Ingredients

1. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2. 1 medium onion, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
3. 3 garlic cloves, minced
4. 2 celery ribs, cut into 1/2-inch dice
5. Salt and freshly ground pepper
6. 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon tomato paste
7. 4 cups chicken stock or low-sodium broth
8. 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
9. 1 large carrot, cut into 1/2-inch dice
10. 1/2 pound cooked lamb, cut into bite-size pieces
11. 2 cups frozen lima beans (10 ounces)
12. 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
13. 1 1/2 teaspoons harissa (see Note)
14. 1 teaspoon chopped rosemary

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil. Add the onion, garlic and celery, season with salt and pepper and cook over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 7 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook over moderately high heat, stirring, until glossy, about 1 minute. Add the stock and bring to a boil. Add the potatoes and carrot, cover and simmer over low heat until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
2. With a slotted spoon, transfer the potatoes to a large, shallow bowl. Add the lamb and lima beans to the soup; cover and simmer over low heat until the lima beans are tender, about 3 minutes.
3. Using a fork, mash the potatoes thoroughly, then blend in the butter, harissa and rosemary. Stir the mashed potatoes into the soup, season with salt and pepper and serve.

Make Ahead

The soup can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reheat gently.

Notes

Harissa can be found in Middle Eastern markets and specialty food stores.