Winter Vegetable Soup

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 large leeks (1 to 1 1/2 pounds), white parts only, cleaned and sliced 1/2 inch thick
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 large carrots (10 ounces), diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 large or 2 medium turnips (10 ounces), peeled and diced
• 1 pound russet potatoes, peeled and diced
•  A bouquet garni made with a bay leaf and a few sprigs each thyme and parsley
•  Salt and black pepper
• ¼ cup crème fraîche, more to taste
•  Chopped fresh parsley or tarragon, for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, combine the leeks, garlic, carrots, celery, turnips, potatoes, bouquet garni, 1 1/2 quarts water, 2 to 3 teaspoons salt, and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer 40 to 45 minutes, until the vegetables are very soft.
2. Pass the soup through the coarse blade of a food mill (or purée using a blender or an immersion blender).
3. Return soup to the pot and whisk in 1/4 cup crème fraîche (or more, to taste). Heat through, taste and adjust seasonings (be generous with salt and pepper). To serve, garnish each bowl with a spoonful of crème fraîche and a sprinkle of parsley or tarragon.