Watercress Soup (julia Child)

Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 50 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 1 lb potato, peeled and diced (i leave skins on)
• 3 cups leeks, thinly sliced ( and tender green parts only)
• 2 quarts water
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 cup watercress leaf, and tender stems
• 4 -6 tablespoons whipping cream or 2 -3 tablespoons softened butter

Recipe

• 1 when measuring the watercress leaves and stems, pack them down in the measuring cup.
• 2 simmer leeks, potatoes, water and salt together, partially covered, 40-50 minutes until vegetables are tender.
• 3 stir in watercress and simmer 5 minutes.
• 4 while the watercress is simmering, you can prepare the following optional garnish if you wish: a small handful of watercress leaves boiled 30 seconds, rinsed in cold water and drained.
• 5 mash the vegetables in the soup with a fork, or puree in blender. correct seasoning.
• 6 off heat and just before serving, stir in cream or butter by spoonfuls. decorate with the optional watercress leaves.