Chervil nasturtium soup

8 servings

Ingredients

Quantity Ingredient
2 quarts ;Water
Salt
2 cups Fresh chervil
1 cup Nasturtium leaves
1 cup Watercress leaves
Nasturtium leaves large stems removed
1 pounds Potatoes peeled and quartered
1 cup Heavy cream
1 tablespoon Butter

Directions

GARNISH

In a large pot, bring the water to a boil over high heat. Add salt, reduce the heat to medium-low, and add the chervil, nasturtium and watercress leaves, and potatoes. Simmer gently for 1 hour. Puree the soup in a food processor or blender in several batches.

Just before serving, stir in the cream and, if the soup has cooled, reheat gently. Place the butter in the bottom of a tureen and pour the hot soup over it. Garnish with nasturtium leaves, if desired.

The authors write: "Laurence Lafont is a talented designer of linens, china, and other housewares. Since 1979, she has also been fashioning stylish eyeglass frames for her husband, whose family owns one of the most prominent eyeglass firms in Europe.

"The Lafonts spend weekends in the country, but workdays find them in their charming house in St. Cloud, on the outskirts of Paris. Running two households, a family, and working full time means that Laurence doesn't have much time to cook. 'During the week we eat family food ~ roast meat, a green vegetable, salad, fruit and cheese. But on the weekends,' she says, 'I really like to make more interesting dishes.' Since her husband, Philippe, also enjoys cooking, they often share the chores, especially when they entertain. 'We each have certain desserts or entrees that are our specialties.' "Laurence constantly reads cookbooks and magazines for new recipes. 'I always cook the recipe the way it's written the first time,' she says.

'After that I alter it to make it mine.' Altering the recipe may entail substituting or adding herbs. In the country, herbs grow in the garden; in St. Cloud, most grow in pots outdoors or on a sunny windowsill. 'I try to have herbs growing year round so I can go outside and cut a leaf whenever I need it.'" From Laurence Lafont/France in "Cooking with Herbs" by Emelie Tolley and Chris Mead. New York: Clarkson N. Potter, Inc., 1989. Pg. 227.

Posted by Cathy Harned.

Submitted By CATHY HARNED On 10-15-94

Related recipes