First Day Of Spring, Vernal Equinox
It was such a weird winter, unusually warm for long periods of time, then bitter cold, recently a snowpocolypse that was more hype than snow accumulation, but it’s finally here, the first day of Spring. It’s still pretty cold and there is snow and ice on the ground and its official now, we have moved on winter is a thing of the past. For several weeks now I have noticed the crocus bloom, buds coming on the tree’s, the daffodils in my yard will be blooming soon and again this year my chives have returned, I had no idea chives were so resilient. Going to the farmers markets will yield a plethora of produce and although I am not a warm weather person however, I do love spring and summer fruit and vegetables, can’t wait for the berries and plums and peaches.
It is rare that I post several days in a row but to honor this day I made soup using spring vegetables, a light and delicate soup using asparagus and leeks. So simple and quick to prepare. So to celebrate the first day of Spring I give you soup that is a lovely shade of green and screams spring. The ingredients are few, no spicing except for salt and pepper this soup is an homage to the beauty of fresh spring asapargus and the delicate flavor of a young leek.
I wish you all a wonderful first day of Spring or if you are in another hemisphere a wonderful first day of Fall.
ready to roast
Pureéd Asparagus and leek soup
Serves 2 or more depending on serving size
1 bunch asparagus cleaned and tough parts snapped off
1 medium size leek cleaned well using only the white and light green parts
3 cups broth of your choice or water
salt, pepper
olive oil to drizzle on vegetables before roasting
1-2 tbs butter (optional)
splash of heavy cream (optional)
Heat oven to 375 degree’s, line sheet pan with parchment. Layer your clean vegetables on the pan, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes, you don’t want them to brown only to develop that lovely deep flavor that happens when vegetables are roasted. Remove from oven and place the vegetables in a medium size saucepan.
Add the broth or water and bring to a boil, turn to low heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Let cool in the pot for approximately 30 minutes. Using tongs place the vegetables in the blender and add a cup of broth. Pureé until desired consistency. Add back to the saucepan with a little more broth if you like your soup on the thin side, season with salt and pepper if needed, add the butter and cream and on low heat cook until it reaches the desired temperature.
Garnish with creme fraiche and chives.
A little peek at whats in store soon.
apuginthekitchen 