Asparagus and Leek Soup
This Asparagus and Leek Soup is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for any season. Featuring the delicate flavors of fresh asparagus and sweet leeks, this soup is made rich and smooth with the addition of heavy cream, or coconut milk for a vegan twist.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 leeks, white and light green parts only, cleaned and sliced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 500 g fresh asparagus trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For garnish (optional):
- fresh herbs (parsley, chives) thinly sliced
- green onion thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Start by preparing your leeks and asparagus. Make sure to wash the leeks thoroughly to remove any grit. Trim the asparagus by snapping off the tough ends and cutting the spears into 1-inch pieces.
- Sauté Leeks and Garlic: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and garlic. Sauté until the leeks are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes, taking care not to let them brown.
- Cook Asparagus: Add the asparagus pieces to the pot and cook for another 3-4 minutes, just until they start to soften.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the asparagus is very tender.
- Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender, puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, you can use a regular blender, working in batches if necessary. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.
- Add Cream and Seasonings: Stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup heat through but avoid boiling it after adding the cream.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs or green onions if desired and serve warm.
- Dobar tek!
Notes
- Texture: For a chunkier soup, reserve some of the asparagus tips and add them to the soup after blending.
- Vegan Adaptation: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and ensure your vegetable broth is vegan.