Spring Asparagus Soup with Parmesan Crisp

Ingredients:

2 T butter

1 olive oil

1 large osso sweet onion, rough chopped

1 parsnip, peeled and diced

2 lbs asparagus, rough chopped (not the woody ends)

2 quarts chicken broth

¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

¼ cup fresh tarragon leaves, chopped

½ cup frozen peas

1 cup heavy whipping cream (can substitute soy milk) Zest of one lemon

Salt

Pepper

 

Directions:

When making soups and sauces, season with salt and pepper gradually throughout the process to layer flavors.

Melt butter in large sauce pot over medium heat.   Add onion and parsnip. Sweat for 1 minute until translucent, but no color.  Add asparagus.   Add chicken broth and cook until vegetables are fork tender.  Add tarragon, parsley, and frozen peas.  Puree in blender or preferably with emersion blender.  When completely pureed, add cream and bring back to a simmer.

For parmesan crisp, take cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and sprinkle parmesan in silver dollar sized circles.  Bake at 325 degrees for 5-10 minutes until golden brown.

Serve asparagus soup immediately with grated lemon zest and parmesan crisp.

 

 



Recipe by:

Chef Paul Smith