Broccoli Soup With Lemon-Chive Cream

1. 1

   In a small stockpot or Dutch oven, warm the butter and oil over medium heat. Add the leeks and onion, and cook, stirring occasionally, until they have softened and the onion is translucent, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic, and cook for one minute. Add the broccoli, stock, Parmesan rind, and salt, and stir to mix. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook, partially covered, until the broccoli is tender, about 20 minutes.

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   While the soup cooks, prepare the cream. In a medium bowl, stir together the sour cream, scallions, chives, lemon zest, lemon juice, grated Parmesan, salt, and garlic, mixing until fully combined. Taste, and adjust as necessary.

3. 3

   To finish the soup, remove the Parmesan rind. Using a blender and working in small batches - when pureeing hot liquids, never fill the blender more than one-third full - puree until very smooth. (Alternatively, puree it in the pot with an immersion blender.) Return the soup to the pot, add a few dollops of the cream mixture - I add about 1/3 cup - and stir to incorporate. Taste for seasoning, and adjust as necessary. If needed, rewarm the soup gently over low heat.

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   Serve the soup with a spoonful or two of the remaining cream on top.

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   From: http://orangette.blogspot.com/2009/02/now-you-know.html

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.