CS Potato Leek Soup with Pancetta

Brussels sprouts / Cheese - Slice off and discard stems of brussels sprouts. Prep by hand or use a food processor (which will make prep go very fast). Add shredding attachment to bowl and feed brussels sprouts through shredder. Wipe out bowl and put standard blade attachment in food processor. Chop cheese into large chunks and pulse in the food processor until grated. Store cheese and brussels sprouts separately. (Can be done up to 5 days ahead)

Leeks / Dates - Prep as directed and store separately. (Can be done up to 4 days ahead)

Potatoes - Peel and chop potatoes. If prepping ahead, soak potatoes in water to prevent them from turning brown. (Can be done 1 day ahead)

Heat a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add cooking oil (the portion for the soup) and then pancetta to heated oil. Saute pancetta until crisp and fat has rendered, 2 to 4 minutes.

Use a slotted spoon to transfer pancetta to a paper towel-lined plate. If there is excess grease in pan, drain off all but ~1 Tbsp / 15 mL (for 4 servings; adjust if customizing), or if the pan is dry, add a splash of cooking oil. Add leeks with a pinch of salt and saute until leeks soften and start to turn golden brown in spots, 2 to 4 minutes. Add butter and stir until butter melts. Sprinkle flour over top and stir until no dry spots of flour remain.

Add stock while whisking to incorporate with flour. Add potatoes and vinegar and bring to a boil. Place a lid on the pan and reduce heat to a low simmer. Simmer until potatoes are tender, 12 to 15 minutes.

While soup simmers, in a large serving bowl whisk together olive oil, mustard, and maple syrup. Set aside.

Heat a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add cooking oil (the portion for the brussels sprouts) and then brussels sprouts to heated oil. Saute until brussels sprouts turn bright green but still have some crunch, 1 to 3 minutes.

Add brussels sprouts to serving bowl with prepared dressing. Add cheese, dates, and almonds and toss to combine.

When potatoes are cooked, blend soup with an immersion blender until smooth (skip this if you would prefer a chunky soup). Taste and season with some salt.

Serve soup with a spoonful of yogurt and pancetta on top. Enjoy with warm brussels sprouts salad on the side.