Chilled Asparagus Soup

INGREDIENTS:

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 1 white onion, minced

– 2 stalks celery, minced

– 1 lb. asparagus, woody ends removed and sliced into 1-inch lengths

– 2 bay leaves

– 1 teaspoon salt

– ½ teaspoon white pepper

– 6 cups vegetable stock

– 2 medium avocados

– 2 tablespoons lemon juice

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

– Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot. Add the onion and celery and cook over medium heat until onions and celery are translucent, about 10 minutes.

– Add the asparagus, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Sauté for another 3 minutes.

– Add the vegetable stock and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from the stovetop and allow to come to room temperature.

– Add the soup, avocado, and lemon juice to a high-powered blender. Blend until creamy.

– Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.

– Garnish with lemon cream, parsley, and asparagus spears if desired.

 

(Lemon Cream Recipe: ½ cup raw cashew pieces, soaked for at least 4 hours, ¼ cup water, 4 tablespoons lemon juice, Salt.  Rinse the soaked cashews and add them to a high-powered blender. Add in the remaining ingredients. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Store in the refrigerator.) [Credit: CatchingSeeds.com]