We use cookies and similar technologies to improve user experience, and analyse activities and performance. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy. 
Recipe Detail Page
Cream of Leek & Speck with Chive Pesto
Spring 2013
When using leeks, make sure to save the dark green parts for future use. They can be tied with kitchen twine and used to flavour stock or placed under a roasting turkey to add flavour to the pan drippings.
Serves 6
SOUP
1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil
3 slices speck, finely chopped (prosciutto can also be used)
2 tbsp (30 mL) butter
4 cups (1 L) leeks, white and pale green part only, rinsed of sand and coarsely sliced
1 cup (250 mL) onion, coarsely chopped
1 tbsp (15 mL) fresh thyme, finely chopped
½ cup (125 mL) dry white wine
6 cups (1.5 L) chicken stock
3 cups (750 mL) yellow-fleshed potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 bay leaf (optional)
½ cup (125 mL) 35% cream
Generous pinch of nutmeg and white pepper
Salt (optional)
CHIVE PESTO
¾ cup (175 mL) fresh chives, coarsely chopped
6 tbsp (90 mL) olive or vegetable oil
¼ cup (60 mL) walnuts
1 tsp (5 mL) garlic, coarsely chopped
Salt to taste
1 In a large pot, heat oil over medium-low heat, add speck and sauté until crisp, making sure not to burn. Turn off heat, remove speck and set aside for garnish.
2 Add butter to same pot and heat over medium-high. Add leeks and onion and sauté for 10 minutes. Add thyme and white wine, cook for another minute. Add stock, potatoes and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then simmer over low heat for 25 minutes or until the potatoes and leeks are fully tender.
3 Cool slightly and strain liquid from solids. Working in batches, place solids in blender, adding enough cooking liquid to allow to purée. Purée all of the soup and return to pot. Add cream, nutmeg, white pepper and salt (if desired) and warm through gently; do not boil.
4 Place all ingredients for pesto in clean blender; purée. Continue to scrape down sides and repeat process until all ingredients are incorporated and smooth.
5 Divide warmed soup between 6 bowls, drizzle with pesto and sprinkle with crispy speck.
Serves 6
What to Serve
750 ml bottle$24.95$24.95
Save $0.00
100 bonus points
