Potato & Fresh Herb Soup

For lunch, on a cold winter's day, there is nothing as nice as a bowl of steaming hot soup, but I find that generally, I will make a pot of soup whatever the weather. I'm an avid lover of many types of soups as there is no easier way of including a few of my children's all-important five a day of fruit/vegetables in one meal. One of their favourites is Leek and Potato but while visiting Cork we had a delicious dinner at Ballymaloe House and the soup we were served was Potato and Fresh Herb Soup. I knew the children would love it and since we have plenty of spuds in the garden and lots of fresh herbs this is one dish that can be rustled up very easily. 
During the Summer Holidays I had lots of helpers in the kitchen and garden so for this soup Jack was my assistant. He liked it so much that he actually posted the recipe on his own blog iJack O D before I had the chance to add it on here.

Since starting this blog I have become so interested in photography, with food always taking centre stage. I am constantly in search of food props and bowls, plates etc that might make my food look more enticing. These searches often lead me to local auctions with my Dad. However, sometimes there are pieces sitting in my press for years that have been awaiting their photographic début and this is the case with what I have photographed here today. 

This beautiful soup tureen, bowl and plate are part of a dinner service that belonged to my father's mother. I love having pieces on display or on my dresser that can tell a story. I never met either of my Dad's parents, as both of them died when he was a child, but yet I know so much about them. Even-tough my father is almost 81 he has a wonderful memory and can recall stories of events that happened many years ago as if it were yesterday. He is actually the last of his generation of the Robins family to be alive which I find ever so sad. Therefore, it is ever important that he shares his reminiscing with us. Over the past few years, he has put pen to paper and scribbled down some of these stories and memories, which I feel is a fabulous idea and something that every family should take the time to do. How amazing to read a story when you already know and love the main characters.


Potato & Fresh Herb Soup

This recipe is adapted from Darina Allen's Ballymaloe Cookery Course cookbook

Ingredients

50g (2oz) butter

425g (15oz) potatoes, peeled and cut into 1cm (⅓in) cubes

110g (4oz) onions, cut into 1cm (⅓in) cubes

2 tbsp of a combination of Parsley, Thyme, Sage and Chives, finely chopped

900ml (1½ pints) Chicken or Vegetable stock

125ml (4fl oz) Cream or Milk

1 tsp salt

Freshly Ground Pepper

Method

1. Melt the butter in a heavy saucepan. When it foams add the onions and potatoes, and toss in the butter until well coated.
2. Sprinkle with salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cover with a butter wrapper or paper lid and the lid of the saucepan. Sweat over a gentle heat for about 10 minutes
3. Meanwhile, bring the stock to the boil. When the vegetables are soft but not coloured, and the freshly chopped herbs and stock, and continue to cook until the vegetables are soft.
4. Purée the soup in a blender or food processor. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Add the cream or milk. Garnish with a few finely chopped herbs, a little cream and serve.