The weather seems generous with lingering cooler nights, and a bowl of warm soup made using seasonal ingredients is just what you need to boost your spirits. This weekend, enjoy this easy breezy concoction with loved ones. It takes under 30 minutes to prepare and serves four.
ASPARAGUS SOUP
This delightful springtime vegetable is rich in minerals, vitamins A and C and folic acid. It is fibrous and great for your gut, as well as helps lower blood pressure and manage cholesterol levels.
Ingredients
• 25g butter
• A little vegetable oil
• 350g asparagus spears, stalks chopped, woody ends discarded, tips reserved
• 3 shallots, finely sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 large handfuls spinach
• 700ml vegetable stock (fresh if possible)
• Olive oil, for drizzling (optional)
• Rustic bread (preferably sourdough), to serve (optional)
Method
• Heat the butter and oil in a large saucepan until foaming. Fry the asparagus tips for a few mins to soften. Remove and set aside.
• Add the shallots, asparagus stalks and garlic, and cook for 5-10 mins until softened but still bright. Stir through the spinach, pour over the stock, bring to the boil, then blitz with a hand blender.
• Season generously and add hot water to loosen if needed. Ladle into bowls and scatter the asparagus tips over each.
• Drizzle with olive oil and serve with sourdough bread, if you like.
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