Garlic Soup

4 tablespoons vegetable oil (canola or safflower)
2 medium-size leeks, trimmed of damaged or fibrous leaves, sliced and washed
12 to 15 cloves garlic, peeled, stems and any damaged parts removed and discarded
7 cups fresh chicken stock or canned chicken broth
2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (about 4 cups)
1 teaspoon salt or to taste
4 slices firm-textured white bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes for croutons
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Nutritional Information
- Nutritional analysis per serving (6 servings)
  397 calories; 17 grams fat; 4 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 9 grams monounsaturated fat; 2 grams polyunsaturated fat; 48 grams carbohydrates; 4 grams dietary fiber; 6 grams sugars; 12 grams protein; 18 milligrams cholesterol; 897 milligrams sodium

6 to 8 servings

Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a heavy pot and, when hot, add the leeks and garlic. Cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften, then add the stock, potatoes and salt, and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat and boil gently for 30 minutes.
While the soup is cooking, make the croutons: Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet. When hot, saute the bread cubes, stirring almost continuously, until they are browned evenly on all sides.
When the soup mixture is cooked, push the mixture through a food mill or puree in a food processor. To puree in a food processor, strain the soup first through a fine sieve, Place the solids in the bowl of a food processor and process until smooth, then combine with the reserved liquid. (If too much of the liquid is processed with the solids, the mixture becomes foamy, yielding a soup with a frothy texture like baby food.)
Stir the butter into the hot soup and serve with the croutons.

1 hour 5 minutes