garden fresh asparagus soup

Garden-Fresh Asparagus Soup

This lemony asparagus soup is spiced with a touch of curry and gets added richness from “lite” coconut milk and creamy red potatoes. Top it with a dollop of crème fraîche or plain yogurt and serve warm or chilled.

Ingredient

    • 2 tablespoons butter

    • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

    • 1 medium onion, finely chopped

    • ½ teaspoon salt

    • ½ teaspoon curry powder

    • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

    • Zest and juice of 1 lemon, divided

    • 2 cups diced peeled red potatoes

    • 3 cups vegetable broth, or reduced-sodium chicken broth

    • 1 cup “lite” coconut milk

    • 2 cups 1/2-inch pieces trimmed asparagus, (about 1 bunch)

    • Freshly ground pepper to taste

    • ¼ cup crème fraîche or reduced-fat sour cream (see Note)

    • 1/4 cup finely chopped scallion greens, or fresh chives

Instructions

    1. Melt butter and oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring often, until golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in curry powder, ginger, lemon zest and potatoes and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Stir in broth, coconut milk and asparagus. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, partially cover and continue to cook until

    2. the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.

    3. Puree the soup with an immersion blender or a regular blender (in batches) until smooth. (Use caution when pureeing hot liquids.) Season with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper.

    4. Whisk creme fraiche (or sour cream), lemon juice and scallion greens (or chives) in a small bowl and garnish with a swirl of it.