*  Exported from  MasterCook  *

               CELERY ROOT BISQUE WITH PEPPERED CROUTONS

Recipe By     :
Serving Size  : 8    Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    : Soups                            Irish

 Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
  6       tb           Butter, unsalted
  1       lg           Onion -- chopped
  3                    Celery stalk -- with leaves,
                       -sliced
  2 1/4   lb           Celery root -- peeled,
                       -coarsely chopped
  2       md           Russet potatoes, peeled,
                       -coarsely chopped
  2       lg           Parsnip -- peeled, coarsely
                       -chopped
  5       c            Chicken stock or
                       -canned broth
  1                    Bay leaf
  4                    Thyme sprigs, fresh -- or
  1       t            Thyme, dried -- crumbled
    1/2   ts           Pepper, white
    1/4   ts           Coriander seeds
  2       c            Spinach leaves
    1/2   c            Whipping cream
                       Peppered croutons-see recipe

 Melt butter in heavy large non-aluminum pot over
 medium heat.  Add onion and celery and saute until
 slightly softened, about 5 minutes.  Add celery roots,
 potatoes and parsnips and saute 5 minutes.  Add 3 cups
 stock, bay leaf, thyme, white pepper and coriander.
 Bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover partially and simmer
 until vegetables are very soft, about 25 minutes.
 Discard bay leaf and thyme sprigs.  Add spinach to
 soup and cook until just wilted, stirring
 occasionally, about 2 minutes.

 Place soup in batches in processor.  Return soup to
 pot.  Add cream and remaining 2 cups stock and simmer
 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt
 and white pepper.  (Can be prepared 1 day ahead.
 Cover and refrigerate.  Bring to simmer before
 continuing.)

 Ladle soup into bowls.  Sprinkle with croutons and
 serve.

 "The Irish excel with root vegetables, and every home
 garden seems to boast lush rows of celeriac, parsnips,
 turnips, leeks, rutabagas, and potatoes. This savory
 bisque is a subtle and suave use of the humble and
 often ignored celery root. Along with glasses of
 sherry, it makes a great beginning to an elegant
 celebration of St. Patrick.  Spinach leaves add pretty
 green color to the bisque."

                            From Bon Appetit, March 1991



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