ASPARAGUS, PEA AND ZUCCHINI SOUP

Asparagus, Pea and Zucchini Soup image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 1h

Yield 4-6

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chopped red onion
1 cup chopped peeled potato
3 to 4 sprigs fresh thyme, plus fresh thyme leaves, for serving
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup chopped asparagus, plus cooked asparagus tips, for serving
1 cup fresh or frozen and thawed peas, plus more, cooked, for serving
1 cup chopped zucchini
1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves

Steps:

Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the potato, thyme sprigs, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper and cook, stirring, until the potatoes are well coated, 2 to 3 minutes more. Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer.
Add the asparagus, peas and zucchini and simmer until the potatoes and vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes, adjusting the heat as needed to maintain a simmer. Remove from the heat, discard the thyme and let cool at least 5 minutes. Stir in the basil and carefully puree until smooth with a handheld immersion blender or in 2 to 3 batches in a blender (do not fill the blender more than halfway full per batch).
Reheat the soup if necessary and adjust the consistency and seasoning with additional water, salt and pepper.
Serve hot sprinkled with asparagus tips, peas and thyme leaves.