Potato-Fennel Soup

Ingredients

• 2 heads fennel (each about 3 1/2 in. wide)
• 1 1/4 pounds onions, peeled and chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 1 1/4 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 3 cups fat-skimmed chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups half-and-half (light cream)
• 2 to 4 tablespoons anise-flavor liqueur such as sambuca or ouzo
• Salt and pepper

Preparation

1. 1. Rinse fennel. Trim and discard stems and bruised portions (save leaves; see notes). Chop fennel heads.
2. 2. In a 4- to 5-quart pan over medium-high heat, frequently stir fennel, onions, and butter until vegetables are golden, about 25 minutes.
3. 3. Add potatoes and broth. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until potatoes mash easily when pressed, about 20 minutes.
4. 4. In a blender, whirl soup mixture, a portion at a time, until smoothly puréed. Return to pan. Add half-and-half, and liqueur to taste. Stir over medium-high heat until hot, about 3 minutes.
5. 5. Ladle into bowls and season to taste with salt and pepper.