British Soups > Welsh Soups > Samphire Soups

Golden Samphire and Leek Soup Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 bunch of golden samphire (about 200g)
- 2 leeks, sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 potato, peeled and diced
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Blender or immersion blender

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Rinse the golden samphire thoroughly and chop it into small pieces.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the leeks and garlic and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
3. Add the diced potato and chopped samphire to the pot and stir to combine.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly.
7. Using a blender or immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth.
8. Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Reheat the soup over low heat until warmed through.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Simmer over medium-low heat
Serving size:
4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 250
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 800mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Golden samphire can be substituted with regular samphire or asparagus.
- Vegetable broth can be substituted with chicken broth or water.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with coconut cream or milk.

Variations:
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Top the soup with croutons or crispy bacon for added texture.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives.

Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to rinse the samphire thoroughly to remove any sand or grit.
- Use an immersion blender for easier blending and less mess.
- Adjust the consistency of the soup by adding more or less broth.

Storage instructions:
- Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the soup over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the soup in individual bowls with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Garnishes:
- Croutons
- Crispy bacon
- Fresh herbs

Pairings:
- Crusty bread
- Grilled cheese sandwich
- Salad

Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add more broth or cream to thin it out.
- If the soup is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken.

Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the soup to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food history:
- Samphire is a type of sea vegetable that has been used in cooking for centuries. It was a popular ingredient in ancient Roman cuisine.

Flavor profiles:
- The soup has a delicate, slightly salty flavor from the samphire and a creamy texture from the heavy cream.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the soup as a starter or as a light lunch or dinner.

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