Colcannon Soup

This is posted for the World Tour 2005 event. I haven't tried it yet, but it looks wonderful. The source is the Irish Heritage Cookbook by Margaret M. Johnson. The author credits chef Gerry Galvin, of Drimcong House in Moycullen (County Galway).

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 4  tablespoons butter
• 2  cups  shredded cabbage
• 1 1⁄2 lbs boiling potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1  lb leek, washed and chopped (white and pale green parts only)
• 5  cups  chicken stock (preferably homemade)
•  salt
•  white pepper
• 1  pinch ground nutmeg
• 1 1⁄4 cups half-and-half
• 3  tablespoons fresh parsley, minced

Directions

1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in cabbage, potatoes, and leeks. Cover and cook until barely tender (about 10 minutes).
2. Add stock and bring to a boil. Cover, then reduce heat to a simmer, and cook until the vegetables are soft (about 15 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
3. Transfer mixture to a blender or food processor in batches and process until smooth (or use an immersion blender). Note: the recipe can be made ahead up to this point.
4. Return to the same saucepan and whisk in the half and half.
5. Serve hot.