This is one of my favorite soups.  It's simple, it's fast, and it tastes
good on a cold winter night.  

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Potato - Leek Soup

 8 cups potatoes, peeled and chunked
 8 cups water
 4 leeks (or 2 large ones), greens discarded, the rest rinsed and chopped
 1 small onion, chopped
 2 cloves garlic
 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
 1/8 teaspoon white pepper

Put the celery seed in a large soup pot and turn the burner on high.
Roast the seed until the aroma comes up, then add just enough water to
provide a nice sludge with the seed.  Simmer a little longer, stirring
constantly.

Add the potatoes, leeks and water.  Add the onion and garlic.  Bring to
a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are soft, about
1/2 hour.

Use a hand blender or regular blender to puree.  Add the pepper, and maybe
a bit of finely chopped scallion.  Heat thoroughly and serve.