Springtime Asparagus Soup
A creamy asparagus leek soup finished with a touch of heavy cream. Not only is this soup incredibly flavorful and creamy, but it also happens to be really easy to prepare. For added flavor, the leeks are reduced with white wine and just before serving, we'll add a pinch of ground cayenne pepper and lime juice for balance. These ingredients aren't detectable, but add great dimension.
Ingredients
Soup:
- 2 tablespoons (30 mL) extra virgin olive oil
- 2 large leeks, white and light green parts only finely sliced
- ½ cup (120 mL) dry white wine
- 1½ lb asparagus stalks reserve the asparagus tips and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 cups (1 quart) low-sodium chicken stock
- kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- pinch ground cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
Sauteed Asparagus Garnish:
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- reserved asparagus tips
- heavy cream for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Soup: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large soup pot. Add the leeks and saute, stirring frequently, until soft and translucent, about 7 to 8 minutes. Do not allow the leeks to brown. Add the white wine and simmer the wine until it is almost entirely evaporated.
- Add the chopped asparagus (reserving the tips for later) and chicken stock, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a low and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until the asparagus are very tender.
- Transfer the soup to a high-powered blender, such as a Vitamix, and puree until very smooth. Return the soup to pot and return to heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finish with cayenne pepper and lime juice. Keep over low heat while preparing the sauteed asparagus tips (see below).
- Prepare the Sauteed Asparagus Topping: Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a small saute pan. Add the asparagus tips and saute for 2 to 3 minutes, or until caramelized and just fork tender. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve the soup and garnish with the sauteed asparagus tips and a small drizzle of heavy cream.
Serving: 1serving, Calories: 200kcal, Carbohydrates: 15g, Protein: 9g, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g, Cholesterol: 8mg, Sodium: 882mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 5g