Instructions: Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium-low heat. Add leeks, potatoes, and onion to heated pot. Saute until onion is just translucent. Add broth and bring soup to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until all vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.

Working in batches, puree about four or five cups of the soup in a blender. Return puree to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Heat to serving temperature. Garnish with chopped green onions.

Serves 6.

Comments: This soup can be prepared a day or two ahead. Leeks are a versatile vegetable and can be served many ways: as a salad of steamed baby leeks dressed with an herb vinaigrette; cut into short lengths and added to a vegetable medley; or stir-fried whole with beans, peas and carrots.

Use mainly the white part of the leek, but the tops can be used in soups. Carefully clean leeks, as dirt becomes lodged between the leaves. Soaking them for 15 minutes or so will loosen the soil and make the cleaning easier. Leeks are a good source of calcium, iron, vitamin C, and some of the B vitamins.

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