Fennel and watercress soup

4 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
1tablespoonButter
½xLarge fennel bulb chopped
1eachSmall onion, thinly sliced
1poundsPototaes, peeled, sliced(4)
4cupsStrong chicken stock
1xParsley, bay leaves
1xPeppercorn, thyme
1xSalt and pepper
½cupWhipping cream
1teaspoonChopped parsley
1xLarge bunch watercress

Directions

Melt butter in heavy saucepan. Add fennel and onion, cook over medium heat until soft but not brown, about 5 minutes. Add potatoes, stock and parsley, bay leaf, peppercorns and thyme enclosed in a small cheesecloth pouch. Simmer 30 minutes then remove. Pass soup through food mill or puree until smooth in a food processor or blender. Pour puree into a clean saucepan, bring back to boil and correct seasoning.

Add cream to taste and chopped parsley. Place bunch of watercress in boiling water for 3 to 5 seconds then plunge in cold water. Drain cut leaves from stalks. Place soup in a heated tureen and serve. Makes four 1½ cup servings.