INGREDIENTS

• 2 lbs Yukon Gold Potatoes peeled and cut into 3/4 inch chunks
• 4 cups chopped leeks white and light green parts, cleaned of all sand
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 cups baby arugla lightly packed
• 1/2 cup dry white wine plus extra for serving
• 6-7 cups chicken stock preferably homemade
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz creme fraiche
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese plus extra for garnish
• kosher salt & pepper to taste
• Crispy Shallots recipe follows (optional)

Crispy Shallots

• 1 1/2 cups olive oil
• 3 Tbl unsalted butter
• 5-6 shallots peeled and sliced into thin rings

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Combine the potatoes and leeks on a sheet pan in a single layer. Add the olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and toss to coat the vegetables evenly.
2. Roast for 40 to 45 minutes, turning them with a spatula a few times during cooking, until very tender.
3. Add the arugula and toss to combine. Roast for 4 to 5 more minutes, until the arugula is wilted.
4. Remove the pan from the oven and place over 2 burners.
5. Stir in the wine and 1 cup of the chicken stock and cook over low heat, scraping up any crispy roasted bits sticking to the pan.
6. In batches, transfer the roasted vegetables to a food processor fitted with the steel blade, adding the pan liquid and about 5 cups of the chicken stock to make a puree.
7. Pour the puree into a large pot or Dutch oven. Continue to puree the vegetables in batches until they’re all done and combined in the large pot.
8. Add enough of the remaining 1 to 2 cups of stock to make a thick soup. Add the cream, creme fraiche, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper and check the seasonings.
9. When ready to serve, reheat the soup gently and whisk in 2 tablespoons white wine and 1/4 cup of Parmesan. Serve hot with an extra grating of Parmesan and crispy shallots, if using.

Crispy Shallots

1. Heat the oil and butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat until it reaches 220 degrees F on a candy thermometer.
2. Reduce the heat to low, add the shallots, and cook for 30 to 40 minutes, until they are a rich golden brown. The temperature should stay below 260 degrees F.
3. Stir the shallots occasionally to make sure they brown evenly.
4. Remove them from the oil with a slotted spoon, drain well, and spread out to cool on paper towels.
5. Once they have dried and crisped, they can be stored at room temperature, covered, for several days.