Leek and spring greens soup with soft eggs and crispy capers

Leek and spring greens soup with soft eggs and crispy capers

This verdant leek and spring greens soup from chef Rosie Mackean can be made in advance, making it perfect for spring entertaining. Serve as the starter for a Mother’s Day dinner, topped with soft-boiled eggs.

Leek and spring greens soup with soft eggs and crispy capers

Follow with Rosie’s picanha with parmesan fonduta for main and an incredible blueberry queen of puddings to finish to make her full Mother’s Day menu.

 

  • Serves icon Serves 6
  • Time icon Prep time 10 min. Cook time 40 min

This verdant leek and spring greens soup from chef Rosie Mackean can be made in advance, making it perfect for spring entertaining. Serve as the starter for a Mother’s Day dinner, topped with soft-boiled eggs.

Follow with Rosie’s picanha with parmesan fonduta for main and an incredible blueberry queen of puddings to finish to make her full Mother’s Day menu.

 

Nutrition: per serving

Calories
426kcals
Fat
30g (16g saturated)
Protein
13g
Carbohydrates
22g (9g sugars)
Fibre
7.4g
Salt
2.2g

Ingredients

  • 30g unsalted butter
  • 4 leeks, finely sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, sliced
  • 400g potatoes, peeled and chopped into 2cm cubes
  • 1.5 litres vegetable or chicken stock, hot
  • 500g spring greens, stalks removed and leaves shredded
  • 10g tarragon leaves
  • Finely grated zest ½ lemon
  • 150ml double cream, plus extra to serve

For the toppings

  • 6 medium eggs
  • 50g unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp capers, drained
  • Bread or toast to serve
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Method

  1. Heat the butter in a large saucepan over a medium heat, then add the leeks. Add a good pinch of salt and 1 tbsp water, then cover. Leave to steam and soften for around 8 minutes or so, then remove the lid and let any liquid evaporate. Add the garlic and soften for 2 minutes, then add the potatoes. Add the stock, bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes or so until the potatoes are almost cooked.
  2. Add the spring greens and push them under the water so they’re completely submerged. Simmer the soup for a further 5-6 minutes until the greens have softened. Remove the pan from the heat, add the tarragon and lemon zest, then use a hand blender to whizz to a smooth consistency. Stir in the cream, then set aside until needed.
  3. For the eggs, bring a saucepan of water to a rolling boil. Lower in the eggs and boil for 6½ minutes. Prepare an ice bath and plunge the eggs into the iced water as soon as the timer goes off. Peel, then keep in a bowl of water until needed. When you are close to serving, dunk the eggs in a pan of just simmering water for 90 seconds to warm them without cooking them.
  4. For the capers, heat the butter in a frying pan over a medium heat until sizzling. Add the capers and fry until they start to open and the butter is golden. Keep warm over a very low heat.
  5. To serve, dish up bowls of the soup, drizzle with cream, then add a halved soft boiled egg and a smattering of the capers and their brown butter. Serve with bread or toast.

Nutrition

Nutrition: per serving
Calories
426kcals
Fat
30g (16g saturated)
Protein
13g
Carbohydrates
22g (9g sugars)
Fibre
7.4g
Salt
2.2g

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