Aromatic Fennel and Leek Soup and a Musical Bowl

 

Yesterday was a blustery day and I thought of making a soup. It seemed the perfect meal for the day. I decided to make a soup with fennel (anise bulb) and leeks I had in the refrigerator.

Aromatic Fennel and Leek Soup

2 fennel bulbs sliced thin (reserve the greens)

3 leeks sliced thin

1 small yellow onion chopped fine

3 tablespoons olive oil

8 cups of water

8 small gold potatoes cubed small

2 teaspoons dry mustard

1 teaspoon dried marjoram

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried tarragon

1 teaspoon dried chopped rosemary

1/2 teaspoon dried ground chipotle pepper

salt and pepper to taste

In a large pot add the sliced fennel, leeks, and chopped onion to olive oil on medium heat. Saute while stirring frequently till all is softened and onions are translucent. Add water and spices and turn up the heat till it boils, then turn down till just simmering. Simmer 1/2 an hour then add chopped potatoes and turn up the heat and cook on medium till potatoes are soft. I left the skins on the potatoes because they are soft and I don't mind the skins but you can peel them if you like. Turn off the heat and with a hand held electric mixer puree the soup till blended somewhat but some of the pieces are left intact. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of the fennel greens on top. Makes eight servings.

I only have one ceramic bowl on my shelves, so I served Gary's soup in a glass bowl. I served my soup in my coliseum bowl (named because the shape reminded me of the Greek Coliseum) to test the usability of this bowl made with a stacked strip construction. Guess what? I discovered it's a musical bowl. When a metal spoon scoops the soup from the bowl and the spoon runs down the ridges it makes a tingling sound. Perhaps the sound isn't proper etiquette but it's quite interesting making music while eating from the bowl. Maybe it's more of an amphitheater bowl? That's it, I misnamed it, from now on it's an amphitheater bowl. I must make more of these.

Amphitheater Bowl

2 inches high by 7 1/4 inches wide

This soup is oh so delicious, perfect for a blustery day. Thanks for reading and for all your comments.