Easter Brunch
Years ago, I hostedย an Easter brunch for my parents, Jerry, and the kids not long after we were engaged. ย I found a recipe for asparagus soup that looked manageable and decided to make it. ย Ok, so far, so good.
The challenge with so manyย recipes out there (internet and books alike) is many times crucial details are left out.
Mistake #1: Not testing a recipe before making it for company.
The Asparagus Soup recipe I found was a perfect case in point. ย I made the soup right up to where it was ready to put in the blender. ย I let it simmer on the stove while Carver and I got dressed.
At last, everyone arrived! ย I was so excited! ย I had never hosted an Easter brunch before, so of course, I wanted everything to be perfect.
Mistake #2: Wanting perfection.
The table was set with little bunny figurines. ย Candles were lit. ย Dyed Easter eggs decorated the table along with classic green plastic Easter grass. ย It was all pretty cute.
Exploding Asparagus Soup
Finally, we were ready to set out the buffet and blitz the soup. ย I poured the hot soup into the blender.
And again, the pressure of the steam sent the top of the blender flying and this time the hot asparagus soup exploded all over the kitchen. ย I was covered in soup and so wereย the cabinets and the counter. ย Later I found bits of asparagus on the ceiling. ย Ugh!
Definition of Insanity: Doing the same thing over and over, andย expecting a different results.
I don't have a good excuse for making a mess that Easter. ย Maybe I can claim temporary insanity? ย Or maybe temporary stupidity? ย Either way, I've made plenty of mistakes since then but ... I haven't made that mistake again. ย So if you decide to make this soup in the blender, let it cool first. ย Or play it safe by using a hand immersion blender. ย
Low Carb Gluten Free Asparagus Soup Recipe
This low carb soup is also gluten free and excellent served hot or chilled. ย Wonderful for cool spring nights or hot summer days. ย You can't go wrong with this one. | www.lakesidetable.com
Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 16 cups
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 16 oz asparagus woody ends removed and spears flattened
- 32 oz woody asparagus ends
- 2 medium onions chopped
- 3 celery stalks chopped
- 3 cloves garlic chopped
- 3 leeks washed, whites only, chopped
- 3 tablespoons potato starch
- 10 cups chicken stock
- ยฝ cup fresh herb mix (suggestion: parsley, oregano, basil, sage, thyme)
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 cup heavy cream
- salt and pepper to taste
- Garnish
- ยฝ pound small shrimp sautรฉed
- 4 oz Greek yoghurt
- 1 small cucumber peeled and diced
- Equipment
- large soup pot
- medium skillet
- blender or hand immersion blender
- measuring cups and spoons
- knife and chopping block
- vegetable peeler
- wooden spoon
Instructions
-
Heat medium skillet over medium heat. Sautรฉ woody asparagus ends, onions, celery and 2 of the leeks until tender in the melted butter. Add dried Italian seasoning, garlic, salt and curry. Let heat open the herbs. Stir constantly to keep the garlic and herbs from burning.
-
When the vegetables are soft, add ยฝ of the chicken stock and simmer for 45 minutes. ย Then strain the liquid and discard all the solid matter.
-
Mix 3 tablespoons potato starch with 1 cup of reserved (cold or room temperature) chicken stock. ย Pour into soup and stir.
-
Add the asparagus and remaining leek to the soup. Reduce heat to low and let them all get acquainted while simmering for another 45 minutes.
-
Add cream and add salt and pepper to taste.
-
If using a standing blenderโฆ turn the heat OFF and let the soup cool completely. (Donโt be an idiot sandwich like I was! You donโt want to be cleaning soup off your ceiling.) If using a hand immersion blender, simply turn the heat off and blend away.
-
The soup should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
-
Garnish with fresh herbs, shrimp, cucumber and yoghurt.
Nutrition Facts
Low Carb Gluten Free Asparagus Soup Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 0
% Daily Value*
Monounsaturated Fat 0g
Potassium 0mg0%
Vitamin A 0IU0%
Vitamin C 0mg0%
Calcium 0mg0%
Iron 0mg0%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nancy M. Daniel says
I love this story!! Well, you really learn from your trials and errors!
love you! Mom
Deb Hatfield says
I never tire of hearing this story, and I can picture in my head what it must have looked like - YIKES!
The soup......AH - MAZE - ZING!!! Worth the time and effort and a total WOW factor at the end!!
Surya says
This looks yummy!