Asparagus Vichyssoise

Vichyssoise is a cold leek-and-potato soup served with chopped chives. The fresh chives add a subtle flavor that perfectly showcases the distinctive taste of asparagus.

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Vichyssoise is a cold leek-and-potato soup served with chopped chives. The fresh chives add a subtle flavor that perfectly showcases the distinctive taste of asparagus.

Servings
6

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbs. canola oil
  • 1 leek, white part only, cleaned and chopped
  • 1/4 cup white wine
  • 1 large russet potato, chopped
  • 1 lb. asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces with tips reserved
  • 4 cups water
  • 2 fresh thyme sprigs
  • 2 fresh parsley sprigs
  • 3/4 tsp. salt
  • 1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives for garnish

Preparation

Heat oil over medium heat in large saucepan. Add leeks, cover and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until softened. Stir in wine, and cook 2 minutes more, or until most liquid has evaporated.

Add chopped potato, asparagus pieces (but not tips), water, thyme and parsley sprigs, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, and cook 30 minutes over medium-low heat, or until potatoes are tender. Remove thyme and parsley sprigs; pour soup in batches into food processor, and purée to a creamy consistency (or use an immersion blender, and purée in pot). Chill well.

Bring pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Drop in asparagus tips, remove from heat and let stand 1 minute. Drain, and rinse under cold water. Ladle soup into bowls, and divide asparagus tips among them. Sprinkle with fresh chives, and serve.

Nutrition Information

  • Calories 90
  • Carbohydrate Content 15 g
  • Cholesterol Content 0 mg
  • Fat Content 2 g
  • Fiber Content 2 g
  • Protein Content 3 g
  • Saturated Fat Content 0 g
  • Sodium Content 300 mg
  • Sugar Content 2 g

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