VEGAN ASPARAGUS SOUP
with truffled chanterelle mushrooms
Serves 8
One of my favorite ways to create a memorable dining experience with a beautiful soup. Soup is one of my favorite foods. However, I often find them loaded with cream or butter, which really kills my vibe. This asparagus soup is fresh, simple and light enough for you to hit a post meal yoga class.
The preparation keeps the soup green, and highlights the freshness of asparagus while exploring the depth of truffle and mushrooms. This method creates a silky texture from the onions and leeks rather than adding cream or butter, keeping it light and vegan. The beauty of this soup is that it can be served warm or cold depending on your mood. Make a little bit extra and use it as a garnish for the next days lunch (i'll show you how).
Ingredients
Asparagus - 2 Bunches (woody ends snapped off) Reserve tips for garnish
Leek - 1 each sliced
White Onion - 1 each sliced
Vegetable Stock - 8 cups
Olive Oil - 2 Tbsp
Lemon - 1 each
Salt and Pepper - to taste
Mushrooms
Chanterelle (or any mushroom) - 1 lb
Olive Oil - 3 tbsp
Fines Herbs - 1 tbsp of each minced (parsley, tarragon, chives, chervil)
Truffle Pate - 1 small spoonful
Salt and Pepper - to taste
Method
First slice leeks down the middle and wash out all the dirt. Now slice leek and onion. Place them into pot with olive oil over medium heat. Sprinkle with salt, cover and let sweat till translucent, about 10 min.
While the onions sweat, slice the tops off of the asparagus at an angle and slice in half. Blanch in boiling water and shock in an ice bath. Add the broth and bring it to a boil. Add the asparagus and cook till tender, about 10 min.
Ladle the soup into a blender and blend till smooth. Season with salt, pepper and lemon juice.
**Important** Keep your soup GREEN!
Immediately pour into a metal floating in an ice bath (two bowls, one filled with ice and water, the other resting on top). You must chill the soup quickly to prevent the green from turning a nasty army green color.
Mushrooms
Clean the mushrooms by wiping off any excess dirt. Now split the mushrooms in half. In a large saute pan over medium high heat with oil, add the mushrooms and don't touch them. Meanwhile, chop up your fines herbs, a classic french herb mix. When you see light browning around the edge of the mushrooms, give them a stir, add the herbs, truffle pate, then season with salt and pepper and take the pan off the heat. Chanterelles don't need too much time to cook.
The Finish
Place the mushrooms in the center of the bowl. Top with asparagus and ladle the hot soup around it. Finish with a nice extra virgin olive oil and serve.