Carrot Soup

I know! Another weird soup. But I really love this soup.

3 Tbs. olive oil
2 leeks, including tender green portions,
thinly sliced (or, if you are me, and you don't have leeks - just use one small onion, finely diced)
6 carrots, about 1 lb. total,
peeled and thinly sliced
1 red potato, about 1/2 lb., peeled and
coarsely diced (or a regular russet potatoe, if that's what you have in your pantry)
5 cups chicken or vegetable stock
Salt and pepper, to taste

You can add a little bit of orange juice or ginger to fancy this up, or not. It's up to you.

In a large saucepan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the leeks and sauté until just slightly softened, about 3 minutes. Add the carrots and potato and sauté until the vegetables are just softened, about 5 minutes more.

Add the stock, cover partially and simmer until the vegetables are completely softened, about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat.

In a blender or food processor, puree the soup in batches, leaving some texture, and return the soup to the pan. Alternatively, process with a stick blender in the pan until the desired consistency is reached. Set the pan over medium heat and stir in the orange juice (if you are doing that) Season with salt and white pepper.

Serves 4 to 6.