Smoked Trout Chowder

Description
In Romanian: Supa cu Trout afumat

Ingredients

 * 2 teaspoons oil (preferably canola or olive)
 * 2 large vidalia onions, diced (about 2 cups)
 * 2 celery stalks, diced
 * 2 x 8-oz bottles clam juice
 * 1½ pounds red potatoes, peeled and diced
 * 2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves
 * ¼ cup vermouth or sherry
 * 4 cups milk
 * ½ pound smoked trout fillet, flaked
 * ¼ cup chopped green onions
 * 2 tablespoons lemon juice
 * 1 teaspoon salt
 * ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

 * 1) In a large soup pot, heat oil over medium heat.
 * 2) Add onions and celery, cook stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent (about 5 minutes).
 * 3) Add clam juice, potatoes and thyme.
 * 4) Cook covered over low heat until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
 * 5) Remove pan from heat.
 * 6) With a slotted spoon, transfer about ¾ of the vegetables to a blender and purée.
 * 7) Return purée to soup and bring back to a simmer over medium-low heat.
 * 8) Add vermouth, milk, trout and green onions and heat through.
 * 9) Season with lemon juice, salt and pepper.
 * 10) Ladle into bowls and serve.