Recipe #90: Celery & Buttermilk Soup

Serves 6

1 head Celery, leaves intact, coarsely chopped
1 med. Onion, sliced finely
2 peeled shallots, sliced finely
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 Tablespoons Celery Seed
1 med. Idaho Potato, sliced finely
Sweet Butter, 3 ounces
Salt and Pepper

Place onion, shallots, garlic, potato, butter, and water in a non reactive pot. Bring to a simmer and stir occasionally  until potatoes are soft. If water evaporates during method, add a bit more to over.

Add celery and celery seed to pot. Add enough water to just cover vegetables. Bring to a boil, stirring so nothing  sticks.

When celery is soft but still slightly crunchy, puree as quickly as possible with a food mill, processor or blender.  Moving quickly will ensure a bright green color and fresh celery flavor.

Pour pureed soup into a stainless steel bowl and place metal bowl in a larger bowl filled with ice. Chill thoroughly.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Gradually add buttermilk to taste, to give the soup a dose of acidity but not enough to overpower the celery flavor.

Serve chilled with chopped chives and whole celery leaves.