Leek and chard bisque

Leek and chard bisque

MAKES About 5 1/2 cups; 4 servings
TIME About 45 minutes

Ingredients
1 leek (about 1 1/2 in. thick)
3/4 lb. Swiss chard
3 cups fat-skimmed chicken broth
1 cup milk
About 1/4 tsp. white or black pepper
1 hard-cooked large egg, shelled and finely chopped
1/4 cup minced fresh chives
Salt

Directions
1. Trim and discard stem end and tough green top from leek; peel off and discard outer layer. Cut leek in half lengthwise and hold each half under cold running water, separating layers to rinse well. Coarsely chop.

2. Rinse and drain chard. Trim off discolored stem ends and discard. Thinly slice stems crosswise and coarsely chop leaves.

3. In a 3- to 4-qt. pan, mix broth with leek and chard stems and leaves. Bring to a boil over high heat; cover, reduce heat, and simmer until vegetables are very tender when pierced, about 12 minutes.

4. With a slotted spoon, transfer vegetables to a blender or food processor. Add about 1/2 cup cooking liquid and whirl until smooth. Pour purée back into pan. Add milk and 1/4 tsp. pepper; stir just until steaming, 3 to 4 minutes.

5. Ladle bisque into wide bowls. Sprinkle equally with chopped egg and chives. Add salt and more pepper to taste.

PER SERVING 116 cal., 28% (32 cal.) from fat; 12 g protein; 3.6 g fat (1.7 g sat.); 10 g carbo (1.8 g fiber); 277 mg sodium; 62 mg chol.

Serve with Lander-Jenkins "Spirit Hawk" Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (California)