Leek Pea And Stilton Soup With Parsnip Crisps Food

CREAMY LEEK AND PARSNIP SOUP

Steps:

• Put olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add leeks and parsnips, and stir to coat. Add the 2 teaspoons salt and pepper to taste.
• Let vegetables sizzle and cook, stirring frequently until nearly caramelized, but without browning, until softened, 10 to 15 minutes.
• Add bay leaf, turmeric and garlic, and stir to coat. Increase heat to high, add water or broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes more. Taste broth and adjust seasoning.
• With a blender, purée soup to a creamy consistency. (Small batches work best.) Thin with water or broth, if necessary - it should be like a thin milkshake, not thick and porridge-like.
• Reheat the soup before serving. Serve plain, or give each bowl a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil or a dollop of crème fraîche or yogurt, if desired.

LEEK, PEA AND STILTON SOUP WITH PARSNIP CRISPS

Steps:

• Heat butter in a large saucepan and add leeks. Cook, stirring often, over a llow heat 12-15 minutes. Add potatoes, stock and herbs, and bring to a boil. Simmer 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender. Add peas and cook a further 5 minutes. Remove from heat, add Stilton, and season with salt and pepper.
• Transfer mixture to a food processor and blend until reasonably smooth.
• Can be kept in the fridge for up to a week.
• For parsnip crisps, cut parsnips with a vegetable peeler into long thin strips. Deep fry in hot oil for 20-30 seconds until crisp and golden. Drain on paper towels. Once cooled crisps can be stored in an air-tight container for 1 week.