Local asparagus is plentiful right now. Try this easy to make asparagus soup with a gentle seasoning of Lemon Thyme, which I think is the perfect herb for asparagus.
I use a little garlic but if you have a sensitivity to garlic, use a shallot. The soup blends together beautifully and hardly needs the addition of cream but if you want to be decadent.....
You will need a large soup pot or Dutch oven
Ingredients:
1 Tablespoon of Olive Oil
1 Tablespoon of Unsalted Butter
1 large Onion, diced
1 clove fresh Garlic or 1/2 Half of a Shallot
1/2 Cup White Wine
3 two-inch sprigs of Lemon Thyme
Handful of Italian Parsley, chopped finely
1 large bunch of Asparagus, ends cut and then broken in two inch pieces
4 Cups of Chicken Broth
Sea salt and freshly ground Pepper to taste
1/2 Cup heavy or light cream, to your taste
Method:
In a large soup pot, heat the oil and butter and add onions
Cook on medium low until translucent, about 5-7 minutes
Add garlic or shallot
Cook for one minute
Add the white wine and cook until reduced by half, increase heat if required
Add the lemon thyme and parsley and asparagus
Stir for a minute and then add the chicken broth
Season with sea salt and pepper
Bring to a medium boil and then simmer for 35 minutes
Cool slightly and then blend with a hand blender or use a food processor
Add the cream and heat on low
Or, do not add the cream and enjoy the soup dairy free!
Lemon Thyme in my kitchen garden with companion plant Rosemary
Lemon Thyme
Lemon Thyme (Thymus Citriodorus) is a delicious Mediterranean herb that has also been used for centuries as an herbal remedy. It has a strong lemony flavour and perfect for adding a lemon zest to chicken, vegetables or fish.
In this soup recipe, I think it is the perfect complement for asparagus.
Lemon Thyme is actually its own species of thyme, and belongs to the mint family of herbs.
Thyme originates from Europe, Asia and north Africa. Ancient Greeks believed the herb to be effective as an expectorant. Romans brought the herb to England and was widely used during the Middle Ages by the English.
Lemon Thyme is a source of phenolic antioxidants, Vitamins C and A and minerals, including potassium.
A lovely, aromatic and delicious herb to add to your kitchen garden.
Asperges by Patti Davis
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