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1
Wash the arugula (or spinach) very well under cold water then drain in a salad spinner. Arugula/spinach tends to hold dirt, so make sure you wash it until the water runs clear. Run the leaves through the salad spinner one more time.
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2
Place a large pan (big enough to hold the arugula/spinach) over medium high heat. Add the arugula/spinach and cook until it just wilts (the water clinging to the leaves after washing generates enough steam for cooking), about 1 minute. Immediately remove from heat.
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3
Place the arugula/spinach back into the salad spinner, spinning out any excess moisture; set aside.
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4
Rinse and dry the pan. Add the butter and melt gently over low heat until softly foaming, lightly browned and smells faintly nutty; add the shallots and sweat for about 5 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
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5
Add the garlic and cook for a minute or two, then season generously with salt and pepper.
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6
Add the arugula or spinach and stir once or twice to combine, then pour in the broth and turn up the heat to high.
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7
As soon as the mixture comes to a boil, *immediately* remove from the heat. Don't overcook it or the spinach will become slimy quickly!
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8
Coarsely puree the soup using an immersion blender, or using a stand blender, in batches as necessary. Don't puree it too fine or the soup will seem watery.
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9
Return the soup to the pan (still on low heat) and stir in the creme fraiche. Add the grated nutmeg, then check for seasoning - adding a little more nutmeg, pepper and/or salt, to taste. Salt in particular is key to the flavor of this soup.
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10
Reheat gently and sprinkle with grated lemon zest just before serving.
