by wanderash
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my 16 recipes »
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wanderash's Notes:
Expand3 heads of garlic Ask a question about this ingredient
2 pieces of bacon, plus 2 more Ask a question about this ingredient
2 leeks, cleaned and cut in a medium dice Ask a question about this ingredient
1 large white onion, medium dice Ask a question about this ingredient
2 celery, medium dice Ask a question about this ingredient
Bay leaf Ask a question about this ingredient
2 1/2 cups homemade chicken stock Ask a question about this ingredient
1 cup watercress, chopped Ask a question about this ingredient
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Ask a question about this stepCut the top off of the garlic heads, leaving the heads intact and exposing a bit of the cloves. Place garlic in the middle of a piece of tin foil and drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Now, pull the sides of the foil up and seal the package. Put in the oven and let cook for about 40 minutes, until the garlic is very fragrant, soft and a little brown. Let cool, then slip the cloves out of the husk and reserve in a bowl. This can be done a day ahead.
Ask a question about this stepIn a large, heavy bottom pot, render the fat from the bacon over medium heat.
Ask a question about this stepAdd onions and celery and sauté until soft, about 7 minutes. You may need to add a touch of olive oil.
Ask a question about this stepAdd the leeks and season with salt. Sauté until they are soft.
Ask a question about this stepPour in the chicken stock. You will need enough to just cover the vegetables. Allow to simmer for about 10 minutes. In the last few minutes, add the watercress.
Ask a question about this stepCut the remaining two pieces of bacon into ½ “pieces and sauté until crisp. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels.
Ask a question about this stepRemove the bacon and bay leaf, add the roasted garlic and puree with an immersion blender or in a food processor. (Optional- pass it through a china cap for a more velvety consistency.) Taste for seasoning and serve the soup topped with the crispy bacon. Enjoy!
Ask a question about this step
Wow, this sounds incredible. I'd never think to add watercress to garlic soup. Can't wait to try it!