Carrot, Fennel, and Orange Soup

Ingredients

1 medium fennel bulb (sometimes called anise), stalks trimmed flush with bulb, and bulb sliced thin crosswise
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 pounds carrots, sliced thin (about 4 cups)
2 garlic clove, sliced thin
6 cups chiken stock
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/3 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup sour cream
Garnish: 1 tablespoon fresh chervil leaves or fennel fronds

Instructions

In a 3-quart heavy saucepan cook fennel bulb in butter over moderate heat, stirring, until softened and beginning to turn golden. Add carrots and garlic and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add stock and salt and simmer, covered, 20 minutes, or until carrots are very tender.

In a blender purée mixture in batches with orange juice, sour cream, and salt and pepper to taste until smooth, transferring to another heavy saucepan. Heat soup, stirring, just until heated through (do not let boil).

Serve soup garnished with chervil leaves or fennel fronds.

Notes

We belong to a CSA and sometimes have a ton of carrots. This is a great way to use them and incorporate fennel.