Velvety Ramp and Watercress Soup with Crispy Shallots

Everywhere I turn these days, I see members of the onion family -- ramps, scallions, chives, shallots, even my garden is popping with onion grass.  This recipe combines delicate ramps with sweet caramelized shallots, and mild, tangy chives.  And the watercress?  Its pepperiness is just one of my favorite flavors.  Spring in a bowl.

 
This recipe is inspired by my friend Andrea's trip to Restaurant Eve last week where she had a ramp veloute.  This soup is smooth, creamy, and delicate.  Yes, it's a bit fussier than a lot of the recipes I post, but I wanted something smooth with pure, clean tastes.  This soup fits the bill.

And those shallots on top are so good, they could top anything.  In fact, you may want to make some extras to have on hand.  And I'm not the only one who loves them.  Check out this homage to "crispies" from another mom dedicated to cooking with her kids at dash and bella.

Ramp and Watercress Soup with Crispy Shallots 

This soup has a delicate flavor so be sure to use a wine that you love and good quality stock.

Serves 4
10 minutes preparation time
30 minutes cooking time

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 1/2 cups diced ramps
3 cups coarsley chopped fresh watercress
1 cup dry white wine
4 cups vegetable stock
3 tablespoons flour
1/2 cup cream
2 large shallots
canola oil for frying
chives for garnish

Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium stockpot.  Add the ramps and cook for 1 minute.  Add the watercress, white wine, and vegetable stock and bring to a boil.  Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, until the flavors have been well-incorporated and the liquid has reduced significantly.  Puree the mixture with an immersion blender (it will remain quite chunky).  Pour it through a sieve, mashing the vegetables against the sieve to remove all of the liquid.  Discard the vegetables and reserve the liquid.  Return the liquid to the pot and keep it hot while you make the roux.

In a separate stockpan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over low heat.  Whisk in the flour and stir for about 2 minutes until the flour is completely blended, but don't let the mixture deepen in color.  Remove the roux from the heat.

Add the hot vegetable liquid all at once, and whisk until the roux is completely incorporated.  Place the pan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil.  Boil for one minute, whisking continuously until smooth.  Set aside while you fry the shallots.

To fry the shallots, heat the oil over medium-high heat in a small, deep saucepan.  Peel the shallots and cut them crosswise.  Separate the rings so that they look like the tiniest onion rings you have ever seen.  Prepare a plate with newspapers topped with paper towels to drain the shallots when they are done. 

To test the oil to see if it is ready, toss in a small piece of shallot.  If it sizzles and begins to turn golden, the oil is ready.  Remove the test shallot, and add the other slices (the shallots should not be too crammed into the pot, so, depending on the size of your pot, you may want to do this in more than one batch).  Fry until the shallots are golden brown.  Don't wander too far because if the oil is hot enough, they will be ready in a minute or two.  Remove the shallots with a slotted spoon and drain them on the paper towels.

Just before serving the soup, add the cream and gently heat it.  Serve in individual shallow bowls topped with the crispy shallots and a few chives snipped over the top.

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Comments

[Andrea]

Experiencing how you cook with shallots (ie often) has made me get and use them more. I love the flavor, and it seems like they are good in just about anything. Can't wait to try this--I bet it's as good or better than Restaurant Eve!

[Margy]

You're so kind, Andrea! I hope you enjoy it, and another scouting trip to Restaurant Eve may be in order!

[phyllis]

the soup sounds fabulous. i wish i could join you guys for a tip to restaurant eve. and yes it's true that we can't stop eating crispies over here. thanks for linking to me!

[Margy]

Sometime when if you're in town, Phyllis. . .!