Ingredients

  • 1 large leek (white and pale green parts only), chopped fine and washed well (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • 3/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • a 1/2-pound russet (baking) potato
  • 1 1/2 pounds zucchini, sliced thin (about 4 cups)
  • 3 cups low-salt chicken broth
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice plus additional to taste
  • ice water for thinning soup
  • lemon slices for garnish

Method

  • In a large heavy saucepan cook leek, onion, and garlic with salt and pepper to taste in oil over moderately low heat, stirring, until leek is softened.
  • Peel potato and cut into 1-inch pieces.
  • Add potato, zucchini, and broth to leek mixture.
  • Simmer mixture, covered, 15 minutes, or until potato is very tender.
  • In a blender puree mixture in batches until very smooth, transferring as pureed to a bowl.
  • Stir in cream, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste and chill soup at least 6 hours or overnight.
  • Thin soup with ice water and season with additional lemon juice and salt and pepper.
  • Garnish soup with lemon slices.