2large spring onions or leeks: white and light green parts only (save the dark green tops for stock)
1clovegarlicminced
1shallotminced
1fennel bulbcored and chopped
1/2cupdry white wine
5cupsvegetable stock or water
1cupfresh baby spinachroughly chopped
1/4cupchopped fresh flat leaf parsley
2teaspoonsfresh thyme
2tablespoonsfresh lemon juice
salt and pepper
olive oil
1/2cupheavy creamoptional
Instructions
Heat a lightly coated, with olive oil, large saucepan or stock pot over medium heat. Sweat the leeks, garlic, shallot and fennel until the vegetables are soft and fragrant but not browned (about 20 minutes).
Add the wine and continue cooking until the wine evaporates. Add the stock and simmer the mixture until the vegetables are completely soft (about 15 minutes). Remove the soup from heat and allow it to cool.
Add the spinach leaves, parsley and thyme. Puree the soup in batches until it is smooth. Add the soup back to the pan. Add the lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste.
Simmer the soup for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Stir in the cream if using. The soup can be stored covered in the refrigerator for 3 days or frozen for 1 month.