4 tb Butter
7 c  Water
3 md Leeks; the white parts only
- chopped or cut
- into 1/4-inch rounds
6 c  Loosely packed sorrel leaves
-the stems removed and
- leaves roughly chopped
1/2 ts Salt (to taste)
1 1/2 lb Red potatoes; quartered
- lengthwise & thinly sliced
Freshly ground pepper
Creme fraiche
1 tb Chives
- thinly sliced or snipped

This is a rather rustic soup. For a more refined version, pass it through a
food mill before serving.

MELT THE BUTTER IN A SOUP POT and add 1/2 cup water. Add the leeks, sorrel
and salt, then cook gently, covered, for 5 minutes over medium-low heat.
Add the potatoes and cook another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, then
pour in the rest of the water and gradually bring the soup to a boil. Lower
the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes. Once
the potatoes are soft, help break them down by pressing them against the
side of the pan, making the soup as rough or smooth as you like. Or, if you
prefer, pass the soup through a food mill. Taste the soup for salt and add
more, if necessary. Serve with freshly ground pepper, a spoonful of creme
fraiche swirled in and a delicate sprinkling of chives over the top. If
youve got garden chives and theyre in bloom, separate the individual
flowers at the base and sprinkle on a few along with the green stems.