Potage Crécy is an old recipe from northern France for a delicious carrot soup with rice. Because of its sweetness and creamy texture, kids love it.

SERVINGS

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

1/3 cup diced onion

1 strip of bacon, diced

3 cups thinly sliced very fresh carrots (Nantes if you can find them)

1/4 cup uncooked rice

5 cups chicken stock

1 tablespoon butter

4 tablespoons low-fat buttermilk

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

4 tablespoons cooked rice, optional

PREPARATION

1.    In a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat, fry the onion together with the bacon until the onion is translucent and tender, about 5 minutes. Add the carrots, raw rice, and chicken stock. Cover and cook over medium heat for 20 minutes.

2.    Pour the mixture into a blender and whiz it to a puree that still has some texture, then return it to the pot. Bring it to a low boil and add the butter, buttermilk, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and ladle into serving bowls. Top each bowl with a tablespoon of cooked rice, if desired.