Depending on the weather, serve this comforting soup hot or cold. You can quickly chill it by placing it into a metal bowl set into an ice bath; stir frequently until the soup reaches the desired temperature.

　　

Ingredients

Serves 4

　　6 medium leeks (about 2 1/4 pounds), whites only, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise, cleaned

　　2 cans (14.5 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth

　　1 baking potato (8 ounces), peeled and diced

　　Coarse salt

　　3/4 cup heavy cream

　　1/2 cup snipped fresh chives

　　

Step 1

In a large saucepan, combine the leeks, broth, potato, 2 cups water, and 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil; reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer until the vegetables are very tender, 20 to 25 minutes.

　　

Step 2

Working in batches, purée the soup in a blender, transferring it to a clean bowl as you work. (To prevent splattering, fill the blender only halfway, and allow heat to escape: Remove the cap from the hole in the lid, and cover the lid firmly with a dish towel.) Stir the cream into the puréed soup, and season with salt. Garnish with the chives. Serve immediately.

　　

Step 3

If desired, chill the soup: Cover loosely with plastic wrap, and chill until cold, at least 2 hours and up to 2 days. If necessary, thin with water, and season with salt. Serve the soup in chilled glasses, garnished with chives.

　　

Washing Leeks

Step 4

Leeks can be extremely dirty and are best cleaned after they’ve been trimmed and cut. Soak cut leeks in a bowl of cool water; lift them out, replace the water, and repeat until no grit remains at the bottom of bowl. Drain on paper towels.

　　Reprinted with permission from Everyday Food: Great Food Fast by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Copyright © 2007 by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Published by Crown Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved.Martha Stewart Living magazine was first published in 1990. Over the years, more than two dozen books have been published by the magazine's editors.Martha Stewart is the author of dozens of best-selling books on cooking, entertaining, gardening, weddings, and decorating. She is the host of The Martha Stewart Show, the successful daily syndicated television show.