I haven’t posted a recipe in a quite awhile, but the ingredients in this soup include some of my fave veggies: asparagus, spinach, and leeks! I discovered my taste for asparagus soup after a recent dinner at Greenz in Addison, who served up a creamy, yet refreshing version of this. My recipe is a modified version from How2Heroes.com, which includes buttermilk and is served warm.

Leeks, 1 bunch (2 or 3 leek roots = about 1 cup), sliced
Garlic, 10-12 cloves, chopped
Asparagus, 1 bunch, chopped into 1-2″ stalks
Oil, 4 tbsp (I used canola/EVOO mix)
Baby Spinach, 2 cups
Buttermilk, 0.5 cup (substitute milk, cream or yogurt)
Vegetable Broth, 2 cans (2 cups ea.)
Shredded or cubed cheese (optional)
Scallops or other seafood protein (optional)

Slice the whites and light green parts of the leeks (omit the dark tops) and saute in pan with oil over medium heat. Add garlic when leeks have softened, saute until aromatic. Add chopped asparagus, reserving tops; saute until softened. After 3-5 minutes, add vegetable broth to pan and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Add buttermilk to thicken, then add baby spinach. Remove pan from direct heat. Stir spinach into soup until lightly wilted. Immersion blend the soup mixture to desired consistency. Serves 2 people at about 380 calories per serving.

Garnish with cheese or add seared scallops for extra protein.