RUSSIAN POTATO AND MUSHROOM LEEK SOUP

This was a yummy soup - the dill smelled really strong and I was a bit anxious about it, but it didn't overpower the flavor.  Jeremy really liked it.

RUSSIAN POTATO AND MUSHROOM LEEK SOUP

PREP TIME: 10 MINS

COOK TIME: 40 MINS

INGREDIENTS:

·         1 tablespoon butter

·         1 tablespoon olive oil

·         1 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced (portabella is best)

·         2 leeks, cleaned, trimmed, and chopped

·         2 large carrots, peeled and small diced (about 1 cup)

·         6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

·         2 teaspoons dried dill weed

·         1 1/2 teaspoons salt

·         1/4 teaspoon black pepper

·         1 bay leaf

·         2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and small diced (about 5-6 cups)

·         1 cup milk (preferably not skim)

·         1/4 cup sour cream

·         1/4 cup all-purpose flour

·         Salt and pepper, to taste

·         Crumbled bacon, fresh dill, for serving (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

1.       In a large pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.

2.      Add the mushrooms and cook until tender and golden, 4-5 minutes. Remove to a plate (keeping as much liquid/oil in the pot as possible).

3.      Add the leeks and carrots, and cook, stirring occasionally, until starting to soften, 5-6 minutes.

4.      Add the broth, dill, salt, pepper and bay leaf.

5.       Stir in potatoes; the liquid will just barely cover the potatoes, most likely. If it doesn’t, add enough extra broth to just cover the potatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook until the potatoes are tender, 15-20 minutes (depending on how large or small you chopped them).

6.      Optional step: for a slightly thicker soup, right now, take out the bay leaf, grab a potato masher, and lightly mash the potatoes right in the pot until desired consistency before proceeding.

7.       Stir the mushrooms back into the soup.

8.      Whisk or blend together the milk, sour cream and flour (I prefer to use a blender for an ultra-lump free mixture).

9.      Quickly stir the milk mixture into the soup, and heat until slightly thickened, 2-3 minutes. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

10.   Serve with crumbled bacon or fresh dill, if desired.

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