Chilled cream of vegetable soup

6 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
1cupChopped celery leaves
1mediumCarrot; diced
1smallGreen bell pepper; diced
1cupChopped spinach leaves
½cupChopped parsley
1largeOnion; chopped
4cupsChicken broth
3Parsley sprigs
1Bay leaf
½teaspoonDried thyme
2Whole cloves
1Garlic clove
¼cupRice
Salt, pepper
2Egg yolks
2cupsHalf and half
Sour cream
Parsley; minced
Chives; minced
2mediumsTomatoes; peeled & chopped

Directions

Combine celery leaves, carrot, green pepper, spinach, chopped parsley, onion and chicken broth in kettle. Tie parsley sprigs, bay leaf, thyme, cloves and garlic in small square of cheesecloth. Add to broth mixture along with rice. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Bring to boil, cover and simmer 40 minutes. Discard seasonings in cheesecloth bag. Press soup through fine sieve or puree in blender.

Return soup to kettle and bring to boil. Beat egg yolks and stir a few tablespoons of soup into yolks. Stir yolk mixture into hot soup and cook, stirring, until smooth. Do not boil. Stir in half and half and simmer 2 or 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and chill thoroughly. If soup separates, stir before serving. Spoon into chilled soup bowls. Top each serving with dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with parsley, chives and chopped tomato.

(C) 1992 The Los Angeles Times