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1
Coat a large, deep pot with olive oil; add the leeks, carrots, celery, and garlic and bring to medium-high heat.
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2
Season with salt and sweat the veggies until they start to soften and are very aromatic, 8 to 10 minutes.
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3
Add the pumpkin and potato and sprinkle with salt.
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4
Stir to coat the mixture with the oil and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes; add the wine and reduce by half.
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5
Add the stock, thyme bundle, and bay leaves.
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6
Squeeze the orange halves directly into the soup, then add both halves.
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7
Taste for seasoning and adjust if needed.
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8
Bring to a boil (BTB) and reduce to a simmer (RTS); cook for 35 to 40 minutes.
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9
Remove and discard the orange halves, thyme bundle, and bay leaves and use an immersion blender or upright blender to puree the soup (if youre using a regular blender, cool the mixture for about 5 minutes and work in batches).
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10
You want the puree to be very smooth and velvety, so puree the crap out of it!
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11
If the consistency is too thick, add a bit of water.
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12
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
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13
Heat an inch of oil in a small saucepan set over medium heat.
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14
While the oil heats, set up your drying situation next to the stove by putting a couple layers of paper towels on a baking sheet.
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15
When the oil is hot, working in batches, fry the leeks until crispy and brown, 2 to 4 minutes.
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16
Use a slotted spoon or fish spatula to remove the leeks and set them on the paper towels to drain; sprinkle with salt.
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17
Use a hand or stand mixeror if youre feeling strong, a regular old whiskto whip the cream and allspice until the cream holds its shape in soft peaks (see page 234).
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18
Ladle the soup into serving bowls, top with a dollop of the whipped cream, and garnish with the fried leeks.