Sweet Potato and Leek Soup with Crisp Fried Scallions
2 1/2 lb. Sweet Potatoes or Yams
1/2 stick Butter
1 1/2 C. thinly sliced Leeks, white parts only
6 C. Chicken Stock (or Smoked Turkey Stock)
1 C. crème fraîche or 2/3 C. Heavy Cream mixed with 1/3 C. Sour Cream
Salt and Pepper
1 C. Vegetable Oil for Frying
8 Scallions, trimmed and julienned
Preheat oven to 425. Prick sweet potatoes or yams several times and bake on a rack until very tender, about an hour. Remove from oven and set aside. Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add leeks and toss to coat. Add one C. stock, cover with tight fitting lid, and cook over very low heat until leeks are very tender, about 30 minutes. Pour leeks into bowl of food processor fitted with metal blade and pulse until well pureed. Scoop sweet potato out of the skin and add pulp to food processor, pulse again until smooth. In heavy saucepan, combine puree with remaining 5 C. stock and whisk until smooth. Cook over medium heat until warmed through. Add crème fraîche, blend well, and continue to simmer until heated through. Add salt and pepper to taste. Just before serving, heat oil in a wok until it shimmers. Add scallions and deep fry until browned, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove to drain on paper towels. Divide soup into serving bowls and garnish with fried scallions and serve.
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