Cream Of Asparagus Leek Soup With Creme Fraiche Recipes

CREAMY ASPARAGUS SOUP

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add leeks and shallot; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add asparagus and 3 cups broth; bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, until asparagus is very tender, 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes.
• Working in batches (don't fill it more than halfway), purée asparagus in a blender until very smooth, 1 to 2 minutes a batch, thinning with more broth if necessary. Transfer to cleaned pan, and heat until steaming. Whisk crème fraîche with a little water until it has the consistency of heavy cream. Spoon some on top of each serving, swirling with a toothpick, if desired.

FRESH ASPARAGUS SOUP

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir 4-6 minutes or until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Add asparagus and broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 8-10 minutes or until asparagus is tender. Remove from heat; cool slightly. Transfer to a blender; cover and process until smooth., In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons flour and 1/4 cup milk until smooth; set aside. In same saucepan, heat butter over medium heat. Stir in seasonings and remaining flour until smooth; cook and stir 45-60 seconds or until light golden brown. Gradually whisk in cream, remaining milk and reserved flour mixture. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in wine, lemon juice and asparagus mixture; heat through. If desired, top each serving with chives.

CREME FRAICHE ASPARAGUS SOUP

Steps:

• In a 4-quart pan, melt butter.
• Add onion and cook just until soft and golden; do not brown.
• Add chicken stock and bring to a boil.
• Meanwhile, cut 3 inches of tips off asparagus and set aside.
• In food processor or blender or by hand, slice remaining asparagus into ¼-inch pieces.
• Drop pieces into boiling broth. Cover and simmer until very soft, about 30 minutes.
• Cool for 10 minutes, and then puree soup in blender or processor.
• Return soup to pan.
• Add asparagus tips and simmer until just tender, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in cream.
• Season with salt and pepper and a drop or two of lemon juice.
• Serve warm or cold.

CREAM OF ASPARAGUS AND LEEK SOUP

Steps:

• Trim green part of leeks and discard. Thoroughly wash white portion and finely chop. (I find it best to completely separate the layers.).
• In large pot, saute leek, onion, and celery in butter and add white wine to keep vegetables moist. (You can alternately do this with some of the chicken stock.).
• Add asparagus and 4 cups of the chicken stock. Season with pepper. Simmer for 1/2 hour or until vegetables are tender.
• Puree the soup in small batches adding the remainder of the stock.
• In another pot reheat (but not boil) the puree while whisking in the cream (or milk.).
• Serve immediately.