Potage Parmentier or Potato Leek Soup with Toasted Pepitas and Herbs

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 leeks (large or 2 small, rinsed)
• 2 shallots (divided)
• 5 yukon gold potatoes (small, peeled or not, cut into a 1 inch cubes)
• 2 1/2 teaspoons sea salt (divided)
• 1 quart chicken stock
• 1 bay leave
• 5 sprigs thyme (divided)
• 1/4 cup parsley leaves (minced)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons pepitas (rough chopped)