Nash’s celery, planted in spring, is finally ready to harvest, and it makes a wonderful soup — perfect for October’s cooler weather.
8 large celery stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces
1/2 bulb fresh fennel, cut into 2-inch chunks
2 large whole garlic cloves
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 medium red potatoes, peeled and cut small
6 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup light cream or half-and-half
2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Celery leaves/fennel fronds
Place the cut celery, fennel and cloves of garlic in a 9 x 13 inch roasting pan. Add the salt, pepper and olive oil and toss to coat everything. Roast in a 350F oven for 40 to 45 minutes, turning occasionally, until the edges of the vegetables just begin to brown.
While the vegetables are cooking, cook the potatoes in the chicken broth until tender, about 10 to 12 minutes. Set the pan aside to cool.
When the vegetables have finished roasting, add them to the potatoes and broth. Let everything cool. In a blender puree the soup in batches. Strain the soup through a mesh strainer. Once pureed, return the soup to the pot and bring up to the boil. Stir in the cream and the lemon juice. Re-season if needed and garnish each bowl with celery leaves and fennel fronds.
We thank food52.com for this recipe.