Early Summer Basil Soup

Total Time: 1 hr 40 mins Preparation Time: 40 mins Cook Time: 1 hr

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 lb young leek, roughly chopped
• 2 stalks celery, roughly chopped
• 5 cups vegetable stock
• 1/2 lemon, juice and zest of
• 1 bunch extra fresh basil leaf, plus
• extra fresh basil leaf, to garnish
• 6 tablespoons heavy cream, plus
• extra heavy cream, to serve
• salt and pepper

Recipe

• 1 heat the butter in a large pan, add the leeks and celery, cover, and sweat for 5-10 minutes over medium heat.
• 2 remove the lid, add the stock and lemon zest and juice.
• 3 bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.
• 4 remove from heat, add the basil, and blend in a blender or food processor until smooth.
• 5 chill for 1 hour.
• 6 stir in the cream and adjust the seasoning to taste.
• 7 serve chilled, with a generous swirl of cream, and garnish with basil leaves.