Tuesday, September 4, 2012

The Wonderful World of Cooking Cream of Asparagus Soup


Cream of Asparagus Soup from “The Wonderful World of Cooking” by Edward Harris Heth
Funny how we go through life and things will change.  As a child I hated asparagus and for years I would not even consider the nasty looking stuff. But about three years ago I relented and tasted a piece of grilled asparagus.  Well let me tell you.. it was a tasty treat! Since then, I have explored various ways of using asparagus and when I saw this recipe in Mr. Heth’s book, I just had to try  it, and to my delight it was delicious!
Just one more reminder that if we allow for growth in life, we can discover joy in unexpected places.

Cream of Asparagus Soup

1 pound of fresh asparagus
1 quart chicken stock
¼ cup shredded spinach leaves
4 fresh tarragon leaves
1 stalk of parsley minced
1/8 teaspoon ground coriander
4 scallions (I used a 1/3 cup minced red onion instead)
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon flour
1 cup light cream
1 egg yolk

Rinse and dry the asparagus and then snip the tops off about two inches long.  Then trim the very bottom off the remaining stalk.  Steam the tips for about 8 minutes and then set aside to cool.

Place the next five ingredients in a stock pot along with the asparagus stems.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce the heat and simmer about 25 minutes.

Fry the scallions (or onions) in the butter until just browned, then stir in flour.  Add this to the stock pot stirring it in well.

Simmer for another ten minutes and then, using a emersion wand, puree till smooth. 

Cream the egg yolk and light cream together and blend into the pureed stock in a thin ribbon.  Heat gently, but do not allow it to boil.  Now add the steamed tips. 

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