Potage Crécy (French Carrot Soup)

The carrots grown in the region of Crécy, France are some of the tastiest in the whole country so Carrot Soup in France is named "Potage Crécy". Traditionally, the English should eat carrot soup on the anniversary of the Battle of Crecy (August 26, 1346) when they triumphed over the French in the Hundred Years War.

• Ready In: 1 hr 10 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons butter
• 1  cup onion, minced
• 3  cups carrots, minced
• 1  quart chicken broth
• 3  teaspoons tomato paste
• 2  tablespoons white rice, uncooked
•  salt, to taste
•  black pepper, to taste
• 1⁄2 cup heavy cream
• 1  tablespoon butter, softened
• 12  carrot curls (optional)

Directions

1. Over medium heat, melt butter in a heavy dutch oven. Stir in the onions and cook 5 minutes, until golden.
2. Add carrots, broth, tomato paste and rice. Simmer 30 minutes.
3. Puree in blender in small batches until smooth. Return to pan.
4. Add salt and pepper and stir in the cream. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Stir in the softened butter and serve with two carrot curls per serving.