This is the soup everyone enjoyed in Louviers for Carnaval. Quick to make, deliciously satisfying and alluring, you will find it hits the spot on a cool late winter to spring evening.

　　

Ingredients

Makes 6 hearty servings

　　2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

　　1 medium onion, peeled and cut in tiny dice

　　1 pound leeks, trimmed, washed and cut in tiny dice

　　3 medium turnips (about 6 ounces total), peeled, trimmed and cut in tiny dice

　　1 large (about 7 ounce) carrot, trimmed, peeled, cut in tiny dice

　　3 stalks celery (about 4 ounces total), cut in tiny dice

　　4 medium potatoes (about 10 ounces total), peeled and cut in tiny dice

　　A half small savoy cabbage (about 1 pound), core removed and very thinly sliced

　　1 quart water

　　1 scant tablespoon coarse sea salt

　　2 whole cloves

　　2 dried imported bay leaves

　　20 stalks fresh thyme

　　Freshly ground nutmeg

　　

Step 1

1. Place the oil and the onions in a heavy stockpot over medium heat and cook until the onion begins to turn translucent and give up some of its liquid, about 4 minutes. Add the leeks, the turnips, the carrot, and the celery, stir and cook, stirring frequently, until all of the vegetables are translucent but not limp, about 15 minutes. Add the potatoes and the cabbage, stir, then pour over the water. Add the remaining ingredients, stir, cover and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium low so the soup is simmering merrily and cook until the vegetables are tender through but not mushy, about 20 minutes. Adjust the seasoning and remove the bay leaves, the cloves, and the thyme.

　　

Step 2

2. To serve, ladle the soup into 6 warmed, shallow soup bowls. Sprinkle each serving with a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg and serve immediately.