Thyme-Scented Fennel and Leek Soup

Directions

1. MAKE THE STOCK: In a stock pot, put 6 cups of cold water on to boil, covered. Meanwhile, thoroughly clean and coarsely chop the leek tops. Clean and coarsely chop the fennel tops and fronds. Scrub and cut the celery stalk into 2-inch pieces. Coarsely chop the parsley.
2. Add everything you just cut, along with the crushed fennel seeds, to the stock pot. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down. Let the stock bubble lazily for at least 30 minutes. 45 is even better. Strain and measure the stock. Add water if necessary to make five cups.
3. MAKE THE SOUP: In a large, heavy soup pot, warm the olive oil and then add the sliced leeks. Coat with the oil, cover the pot, and sweat for about three minutes over medium low heat, stirring after a minute or so.
4. Add the fennel, celery, and 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme leaves, along with the stock and a good pinch of salt. Bring to a slow boil, then turn down the heat so the soup is simmering. Let it continue to simmer with the lid on for about 20 minutes.
5. Heat your oven to 400 degrees, for toasting your croutons. Or use a toaster oven. I don't have a toaster oven, so I do this while baking or roasting something else.
6. Meanwhile, toast the pepitas in a hot dry skillet on the stove over medium heat for about a minute, shaking the skillet frequently, lest the pepitas burn. Immediately remove them from the skillet and put them into a blender. (Use a conventional blender for this and not a stick blender. It needs to run for a good long while. Plus, the bigger blender is better suited for blending the fibrous vegetables in this soup.)
7. MAKE THE CROUTONS: Toss the bread cubes with a good sprinkling of olive oil; then sprinkle on a hefty pinch of salt, the remaining teaspoon of thyme leaves and the ground fennel seeds. Bake on a cookie sheet for about 5-7 minutes, or until toasted and fragrant.
8. FINISH MAKING THE SOUP: Use a ladle or cup measure with a handle to remove about 1/2 cup of broth from the soup. Put it in the blender with toasted pumpkin seeds. Hold the lid down using a tea towel. Blend at high speed for about 3 minutes, scraping down after the first minute and then again after the second minute.
9. Add the rest of the contents of the soup pot to the blender. Cover the top of the lid with a tea towel and blend at high speed for two minutes. Scrape down the sides, blend for another two minutes, and then blend for another minute. Test for salt and correct.
10. If serving this for a formal dinner, strain the soup through a fine sieve and warm again gently before plating.
11. Garnish with the croutons.
12. Enjoy! ;o)