Potato Leek Soup

Let's talk about leeks, Baby. (Sung, of course, to the Salt-N-Pepa's melody, proving I spent a bulk of my formative years in the 90's -- which were great years to grow up in. We had enough technology to enjoy Mario on rainy days but not too much that we didn't pass up the chance to roller blade when we could.  And then we jammed to Can't Touch This on our Walkmans while organizing our Lisa Frank stickers... by the way, all you need to say is, "In West Philedelphia, born and raised," and I cannot help but finish the entire song. Don't believe me? Try it next time you bump into me...)

And back to leeks...

These things are amazing. I have used them a couple of times before, and every single time I have a ridiculously tasty dish in front of me.  Leek & bacon baked eggs and a leek & asparagus quiche were my introduction to them, both packed with immense flavor, both needing very little 'other stuff' added to make that flavor so wonderful.

Actually, the first time I used them I had no idea what they were and I couldn't find them except in the frozen food section, so I broke my usual rule of relying on fresh produce to be the bulk of my purchases.  Wasn't the best combo for what I was using them for.  The next time I decided to get the fresh ones, but had no idea what I was looking for, until I asked the worker at the store.  He looked at me a little funny and then pointed right in front me, where a fairly prominent sign read: LEEKS.

Whatever.  It happens.

One important thing to know about these flavorful giants of the onion family -- you need to clean them very well as dirt can be trapped inside.  The easiest way to do this (or so I read and then did with successful results) is to chop first and then clean in a cold water bath.  Since you will probably just be using white and light green parts (unless you are making broth) don't cut up the dark green tops.  Just put the lighter colored parts in the water, use your hand to agitate any dirt off of them, pour out the water, and then repeat another time or two.  Takes about a minute and ensures that your leeks are ready for you to use.

Apparently, potato leek soup is a classic.  But like many foods that don't come stamped with a Kraft logo, I didn't know that.  For me, it is a new found treat.  I am a lover of soup, which you probably have gathered by reading my blog for any time, and this was one of the best I have ever had.  My husband declared it gold star quality -- and he isn't a fan of soup that much.  The ingredients are simple while the flavor is powerful.

One of my favorite parts? Except for the heavy cream and salt, every ingredient I used came from the Farmers' Market or my own herb garden (the chives).  And you KNOW how happy that makes me ;)

POTATO LEEK SOUP

SERVES 4 •  PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES  •  TOTAL TIME: 45 MINUTES

ingredients

• 2 large leeks, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced and cleaned (see above)
• 3 cups broth, either vegetable or chicken (You can make your own ahead of time or use canned/bullion/whatever suits you) + 1 ½ cups water
• 3 medium red potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• fresh snipped chives, to top

directions

1.      In a large pot, combine leeks, potatoes, broth, and salt.  Bring to a boil and then lower heat to medium.  Simmer for about 20 minutes, until vegetables are very soft (you can poke the potatoes with a fork to test).

2.      Working in batches of about 1/3 of the soup at a time, puree in blender.  Be careful to allow the heat to escape before closing the lid to the blender to avoid it exploding.  Transfer pureed soup to a new pot, and continue until all soup is pureed.

3.      Add heavy cream to soup, serve while hot, and top with fresh chives.

 COST: $5.10           COST PER BOWL (4): $1.28

Nutritional Information
calories 235   •    total fat 17.2g    •    fiber 1.8g    •    sugars 2.3g   •    protein 3.6g

Leek & Bacon Baked Eggs

Simple and delicious.

Let's do this.

Gather your ingredients.  Yes, there is only five.  Plus salt and pepper, to taste.

Fry the bacon (five slices -- can be turkey, beef, or regular ol' pork bacon, you choose), and chop up the leeks (1/2 pound) and red onion (half).

Chop up some fresh chives, while you're at it.  (Enough to top the dish.)

Remove the bacon from the frying pan and place on paper towel-lined plate.  Cook the leeks and onion in the bacon fat for about three minutes.  Make small wells (2) and drop two eggs in each.  Cover and cook for about eight minutes.

Sprinkle a little salt and pepper on top, and enjoy!

Told you it was simple ;)

COST: $5.98    COST PER SERVING (2): $2.99

Stinky Pee and Asparagus & Goat Cheese Pasta

Be forewarned, I am going to be talking about bodily functions.  Well, more specifically, one bodily function: pee.

I know, I know.  Ew, gross!  But honestly, it isn't really.  We all do it.  And some of us, after eating asparagus, do it with a little stench attached. 

Actually, that's not the truth.  I read this article recently that stated that everybody gets stinky pee after they eat asparagus, but only 20% of the population has a gene that allows them to smell it.  What a privilege, huh?

So these people who have this gene, these "Super Smellers" can pick up the scent of asparagus when they, you know, go.  Or when others around them go.  However, these people are often able to smell other smells that might be hidden to the rest of the population -- good smells.  Which is why I am proud to say I am a super smeller.  Asparagus pee, and all.

Pee aside, there is something else I should say about asparagus:  You want to roast it and mix it with goat cheese and pasta and then eat a lot of it.  You really, really do.  Trust me.

Trust somebody who writes about pee?!  Yes.  Because it means I am honest.  And I honestly think you will enjoy this dish.

How about you?  Are you a Super Smeller?  If you are, be proud.  We are small group, but united we can stand strong.

Recipe adapted from Everyday Food, May 2007

• Prep Time 20 minutes
• Total Time 25 minutes
• Yield Serves 4

Ingredients

• 2 bunches asparagus (2 pounds total), tough ends removed
• 4 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 lb. fusilli
• 5-8 oz. soft goat cheese, crumbled
• 2 to 3 tablespoons snipped fresh chives, for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Bring a large pot of water to a boil for pasta. Place asparagus on a large rimmed baking sheet; dot with 1 tablespoon butter, and season with salt and pepper. Roast until tender, tossing occasionally, 10 to 15 minutes; cut into 2-inch lengths.
2. While asparagus is roasting, generously salt boiling water. Add pasta, and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Set aside 1 1/2 cups pasta water; drain pasta and return to pot.
3. In a medium bowl, combine goat cheese, remaining 3 tablespoons butter, and 1/2 cup pasta water. Season with salt and pepper, and whisk until smooth. Add goat-cheese mixture and asparagus to pasta; toss to combine, adding more pasta water if necessary for sauce to coat pasta. Serve pasta garnished with chives.

COST: $10.22     COST PER SERVING (4): $2.56