Cream of Asparagus Soup!

In France, they’re sure it’s spring when the first asparagus hit the table. Then it’s asparagus, asparagus, asparagus — in every form imaginable — all spring and summer long. Asparagus are incredibly refreshing in the heat of summer, and this asparagus soup is great hot for lunch on the lawn or cold for a picnic at the beach. Asparagus are 92% water, high in fiber and full of potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, vitamin C.B E and pro-vitamin A. I love the crunchy, grassy taste of the asparagus combined with the smoothness of the crème fraiche and nutmeg in this delicious veloute.

• 1.2 lbs. bunch Asparagus (reserve the tip)
• 1 small onion peeled
• 1 clove
• 1 carrot peeled
• 8 oz. crème fraiche
• 2 tablespoons brown rice crumbs
• Pinch of grated nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Rinse the asparagus, cut and discard the end of the spear. Remove the asparagus tip and reserve. Cut the stalk of each asparagus stalk into irregular pieces. Bring 1 quart of water to a boil in a soup pot add the asparagus, the onion studded with a clove, and the peeled carrot, simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until asparagus are really tender. Bring a separate small pot to boil, add the asparagus tips and cook for approximately 4 minutes.

Don’t overcook, watch the color, they should be bright green, and crunchy. When the tips are ready, rinse immediately under cold running water and reserve. Separate onion and carrot from broth and discard. Put the broth and cooked asparagus stalks in a blender and process until smooth. Pass the mixture through a fine mesh strainer, then put it back in the soup pot and simmer. In a small bowl mix the brown rice crumbs with 2 tablespoons of the processed stalks and slowly add the heavy cream. Add the mixture to the soup and stir with a wooden spoon until the soup takes on the consistency of heavy cream. Add the nutmeg and salt and pepper to taste. Put the soup in a bowl or plate and garnish with two or three asparagus tips. Soup is good hot or cold depending of the weather.

Happy Spring,

Dr. M