FENNEL SOUP WITH ORANGE CRèME FRAîCHE AND CROUTONS

Fennel Soup with Orange Crème Fraîche and Croutons image

Provided by Andrea Albin

Yield Makes 4 to 6 (first course or light main) servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 small leek (white and pale green part only), halved and thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons fennel seeds
5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 medium russet (baking) potato
2 medium fennel bulbs, stalks discarded, reserving fronds, and bulb cut into 1/2-inch pieces
5 cups water
1 (8-inch) length of baguette, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 cup crème fraîche or sour cream
1 teaspoon grated orange zest

Steps:

Preheat oven to 375°F with rack in middle.
Wash leek , then cook with garlic, fennel seeds, and 1 teaspoon salt in 3 tablespoons oil in a heavy medium pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 8 minutes.
Meanwhile, peel potato and cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
Add potato, fennel, and water to leek mixture and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are very tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
Toss bread cubes with remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a shallow baking pan. Bake, stirring once or twice, until crisp and golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes.
Purée soup in batches in a blender until smooth (use caution when blending hot liquids). Return to pot and season with salt and pepper.
Chop 1 tablespoon fennel fronds and whisk together with crème fraîche and zest.
Serve soup with orange crème fraîche and croutons.