Creamy Lettuce Soup

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds green lettuce, such as 1 1/2 large heads romaine or 2 heads butter lettuce
• 2 large leeks (white and light green parts only), split lengthwise, rinsed well, and sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• About 1/4 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 qt. reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup half-and-half

Preparation

1. 1. Cut ribs from lettuce and chop. Chop leaves. Set both aside separately.
2. 2. Cook leeks and lettuce stems in butter in a 5- to 6-qt. pan over medium heat with 1/4 tsp. nutmeg, the zest, salt, and pepper, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 10 minutes.
3. 3. Stir in lettuce leaves and broth, cover, and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer until lettuce is tender, 1 to 2 minutes.
4. 4. Whirl soup in batches in a blender until very smooth, pouring as blended into a bowl. Return soup to pot and stir in half-and-half. Heat, stirring, over medium heat until steaming (don't let boil), about 2 minutes.
5. 5. Ladle soup into bowls or cups and sprinkle more nutmeg on top.
6. Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving.