Tasty Thursday: Julia Child's Edition

Yesterday would have been Julia Child's 100th birthday.  This Tasty Thursday is dedicated to the one and only, Julia Child.  Julia's Potage Parmentier, or potato leak soup, and it's perfect on this rainy and cold August day.

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons neutral oil, such as canola or grapeseed oil
4-5 medium russet potatoes (1 pound), peeled and roughly chopped
3 large leeks (1 pound), cleaned [5], and thinly sliced
6 cups vegetable stock [6] (or light chicken stock)
Kosher salt, to taste
1-2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup crème fraiche
1/3 cup minced parsley or chives

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat the oil in a large (6+ quart) stockpot or dutch oven, over medium heat. Add the leek and potato. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have begun to soften and brown slightly, about 8-12 minutes (this time will vary greatly depending on the surface area of the bottom of your pot).
2. Add the vegetable stock, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
3. Blend until smooth either using an immersion blender, or by carefully transferring to a blender in batches.
4. Add the cream, and season to taste with salt (I start with 1 teaspoon and go from there, tasting frequently) and lemon juice.
5. Ladle into bowls and garnish with a dollop of crème fraiche, and a healthy sprinkling of minced parsley.