Potato Soup & Smoked Salmon Relish With Crispy Brie Crouton

Ingredients

POTATO SOUP

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 lbs yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 4 cups)
• 3 celery ribs, chopped
• salt
• crushed red pepper flakes
• fresh ground black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 tablespoons chopped garlic
• 10 cups organic low sodium chicken broth or homemade chicken stock
• 2 lbs baking potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 tomatoes, seeded & skinned
• dill
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (was omitted)

SMOKED SALMON RELISH

• 1/2 lb smoked salmon, julienned
• 1/4 cup brunoise red onion
• 3 tablespoons chopped chives
• 1 dash extra-virgin olive oil

CRISPY BRIE CROUTONS

• 16 slices French bread (16 slices -1/4-inch thick)
• 1 large garlic clove, peeled & smashed
• 1/2 lb brie cheese, thinly sliced (divided evenly)
• chopped flat leaf parsley

Directions

1. 1

   Melt the butter in a 6-quart stock pot over medium-high heat.

2. 2

   Add the onions and celery.

3. 3

   Season with salt, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper, stirring, until the vegetables are soft and lightly golden, about 8 minutes.

4. 4

   Add the bay leaf and garlic, stirring for 2 minutes.

5. 5

   Add the stock, tomatoes and potatoes and bring the mixture to a boil.

6. 6

   Reduce the heat to medium and simmer, uncovered, until the potatoes are very soft and the mixture is thick and creamy, about 1 hour.

7. 7

   Remove the soup from the heat.

8. 8

   Discard the bay leaf.

9. 9

   With a handheld blender or food processor, puree until smooth.

10. 10

    (Add 1/4 cup heavy cream if you like - she didn't use it).

11. 11

    Stir to blend.

12. 12

    Re-season the soup.

13. 13

    SMOKED SALMON RELISH:.

14. 14

    In a small mixing bowl, combine the salmon, red onions and chives.

15. 15

    Drizzle the relish with enough oil to moisten.

16. 16

    Season the relish with black pepper.

17. 17

    Let the flavors marry - make ahead or when soup is cooking.

18. 18

    CRISPY BRIE CROUTONS: (Makes 16 - just in case!).

19. 19

    Preheat the oven to 350ºF.

20. 20

    Place the sliced bread in one layer on a large baking sheet and bake until lightly browned on both sides, turning once, about 4 minutes per side.

21. 21

    Remove the bread from the oven and rub the garlic over one side of each slice.

22. 22

    Top each bread slice with a slice of cheese & a sprinkling of parsley; bake until the cheese is bubbly, about 4 minutes.

23. 23

    ASSEMBLY:.

24. 24

    To serve, ladle the soup into individual bowls; garnish soup with relish & a slice of toasted Brie crouton.

25. 25

    Enjoy!