Creamy Onion, Leek, And Shallot Bisque

3.3 from 6 ratings

This is a soup for onion lovers. Caramelized onions, leeks, and shallots (or only onions if you prefer) are puréed with chicken stock and then combined with sherry, sautéed onion, and a splash of cream at the end. What makes it so delicious are the fried leeks—and the Gruyère crostini, a contemporary interpretation of the typical (and often too heavy) cheese topping on many onion soups. Pass any extras at the table. They’re yummy! — Soups for Two by Joanna Pruess Click Here for More Soup Recipes

Servings

servings

Ingredients

canola or other vegetable oil, for frying
½ cup well-rinsed and very thinly sliced darker green parts of leeks, reserved from the soup
2½ tablespoon unsalted butter
4 medium onions, thinly sliced (3 cups)
3 medium leeks, well washed, cut in half lengthwise and thinly sliced (1½ cups), sliced darker parts of the leeks reserved
1 cup thinly sliced shallots
⅓ cup medium sherry, such as amontillado
1 teaspoon chopped fresh tarragon leaves
2 cup chicken or vegetable stock
¼ cup heavy or light cream
coarse sea salt and white pepper
4–6 thin slices french baguette, lightly toasted
1 clove garlic, cut in half
2 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup finely shredded gruyère or swiss cheese

Directions

In a small, deep saucepan, pour in enough oil to measure 1 inch deep; heat over medium-high heat until the oil registers 350 degrees F on a deep-fat frying thermometer.
Set a small strainer over a large glass measuring cup. Line a bowl with paper towels.
When the oil is hot, add the leeks and cook until lightly browned and crisp, about 1 minute, stirring constantly. Immediately remove the pan from the heat and pour the leeks into the strainer. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Strain the oil and reserve for other purposes.
In a medium-size saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat. Add 2 cups of the onions, 1 cup of the leeks, and shallots and sauté until soft and golden brown, about 8 minutes. Stir and scrape the pan often to prevent burning.
Meanwhile, in a small skillet, heat the remaining ½ tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the remaining cup of onion and sauté until soft and rich golden brown, 7 to 9 minutes, stirring often. Watch that they don’t burn. Set aside.
Pour the sherry into the saucepan with the leeks and shallots and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring up all the browned bits. Scrape the mixture into the jar of an electric blender or food processor, add the tarragon, and purée until smooth. Return the mixture to the saucepan, add the stock and cream; simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in the caramelized onion from the small skillet, season with salt and pepper, and keep warm over medium-low heat.
For the crostini, rub the toasted bread with garlic and brush with oil. Lay the slices on a cookie sheet or on the tray of a toaster oven, sprinkle on the cheese, and broil until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Ladle the soup into two wide bowls, sprinkle on the leeks, add 2 crostini to each bowl, and serve at once.