La Soupe de Louviers

This is the soup everyone enjoyed in Louviers for Carnaval.
Quick to make, deliciouslysatisfying and alluring, you will find it
hits the spot on a cool late winter to spring evening.

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, peeled and cut in tiny dice
1 pound leeks, trimmed, washed and cut in tiny dice
3 medium turnips (about 6 ounces total), peeled, trimmed and cut in tiny dice
1 large (about 7 ounce) carrot, trimmed, peeled, cut in tiny dice
3 stalks celery (about 4 ounces total), cut in tiny dice
4 medium potatoes (about 10 ounces total), peeled and cut in tiny dice
A half small savoy cabbage (about 1 pound), core removed and very thinly sliced
1 quart water
1 scant tablespoon coarse sea salt
2 whole cloves
2 dried imported bay leaves
20 stalks fresh thyme
Freshly ground nutmeg

1. Place the oil and the onions in a heavy stockpot over medium heat and cook until the onion begins to turn translucent and give up some of its liquid, about 4 minutes. Add the leeks, the turnips, the carrot, and the celery, stir and cook, stirring frequently, until all of the
vegetables are translucent but not limp, about 15 minutes.
Add the potatoes and the
cabbage, stir, then pour over the water.
Add the remaining ingredients, stir, cover and
bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to medium low so the soup
is simmering merrily and cookuntil the vegetables
are tender through but not
mushy, about 20 minutes.
Adjust the seasoning and remove the bay leaves, the cloves, and the thyme.

2. To serve, ladle the soup into 6 warmed, shallow soup bowls. Sprinkle each serving with a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg and serve immediately.

Makes 6 hearty servings.