Silky Leek and Red Wine Soup

• Recipe by Marcia Kiesel

Marcia Kiesel knew this lush leek soup would be a great complement to left bank Bordeaux because of the wine's firm structure.

Ingredients

1. Four 1-inch-thick slices of peasant bread (4 ounces), crusts removed
2. 3 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
3. 1 garlic clove
4. Pinch of saffron threads
5. 3 medium leeks, thinly sliced crosswise (3 cups)
6. 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon dry red wine
7. 3 cups chicken stock
8. 1/2 cup heavy cream
9. Salt and freshly ground pepper
10. 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet; brush with the oil. Bake until crisp, 10 minutes. Rub with the garlic and tear into 1-inch pieces.
2. In a saucepan, heat 3 tablespoons of the oil. Add the saffron and all but 1/2 cup of the leeks. Cook over moderate heat until tender, 4 minutes. Add the 1/2 cup of red wine; reduce over high heat to 2 tablespoons. Add the stock; simmer for 3 minutes. Stir in the toasts and simmer 3 minutes.
3. Working in batches, puree the soup in a blender. Return the soup to the saucepan. Stir in the cream and the remaining 1 tablespoon of red wine, season with salt and pepper and keep warm.
4. In a nonstick skillet, heat the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of oil. Add the reserved leeks and cook over moderate heat until softened, 3 minutes. Using a heatproof spatula, form the leeks into four 2-inch rounds. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the cheese over each round. Cook over moderate heat until melted, about 3 minutes. Transfer the rounds to a plate and let cool until crisp.
5. Ladle the soup into bowls, top with the leek crisps and serve.