Green Potage Food

GREEN POTAGE

Steps:

• Place the butter in an oval dish measuring 13 by 9 by 2 inches. Cook, uncovered, in a 650- to 700-watt microwave oven at 100 percent power for 1 minute. Add the onions and stir to coat. Cook, uncovered, at 100 percent power for 3 minutes.
• Add the potatoes around the inside edge of the dish. Pour 1/2 cup of the broth over the potatoes. Cover tightly with microwave plastic wrap. Cook at 100 percent power for 4 minutes. Prick the plastic to release steam.
• Remove from the oven and uncover. Place the broccoli in a ring inside the potatoes and spread the spinach over all. Cover tightly with microwave plastic wrap and cook at 100 percent power for 10 minutes. Prick the plastic to release steam.
• Remove from the oven and uncover. Pass the mixture through the medium blade of a food mill into a large saucepan, gradually adding the remaining broth. Stir in salt and pepper and place over moderate heat until hot.

GREEN POTAGE

Steps:

• Cook scallions in butter for about ((5)) minutes over moderate heat, stirring frequently. Add potatoes, salt, and chicken broth. Bring to boil and cook, covered, for 10 minutes. Add the water cress in coarse pieces, spinach leaves, and torn up lettuce. Continue cooking until potatoes are tender, about 5 minutes longer. Strain off about 1 cup of broth. Place vegetables and remaining broth in blender. Cover container and turn on blender. Blend until smooth, add remaining broth and reheat. Served garnished with chopped chives, or sour cream sprinkled with paprika.

POTAGE SAINT-GERMAIN (CREAMY GREEN PEA SOUP)

Steps:

• NOTE: if using frozen peas, thaw first.
• In a heavy soup pot, melt the butter but do not burn. Add the shallots and cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add 2 cups stock or water and the green peas, season with salt and pepper.
• Cover and simmer the soup for approximately 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• When the peas are tender, transfer the soup to a large bowl and using a hand held immersion blender process the soup until very smooth.
• Strain the soup back into the soup pot, stir in the heavy cream (if using), and heat through WITHOUT boiling.
• Season with salt and pepper and serve hot with homemade croutons and fresh chervil garnished on top.