LEEK, ASPARAGUS & HERB SOUP

LEEK, ASPARAGUS & HERB SOUP image

Yield 6 servings 1 cup each

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 medium leeks, trimmed, washed and finely chopped (1 1/2 cups)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 pound new potatoes, scrubbed and diced (about 10 cups)
2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces (1 1/2-2 cups)
2/3 cup snow peas or sugar snap peas, stemmed and cut into 1/2-inch dice
3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, divided
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
2 teaspoons chopped fresh chervil (see Ingredient note) or flat-leaf parsley, plus sprigs for garnish
2 cups 1% milk
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1/3 cup low-fat plain yogurt for garnish
Ingredient Note: Chervil (from the Greek for "herb of rejoicing") has a mild flavor between those of parsley and anise. It doesn't dry well, so is best used fresh.
Get Cooking: http://www.cooking.com/recipes-and-more/RecDetail.aspx?rid=9280#ixzz2RKJkrB2e

Steps:

DIRECTIONS Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add leeks and cook, stirring often, until softened but not browned, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add potatoes and broth; bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high and stir in asparagus and peas; simmer, covered, stirring 2 or 3 times, until just tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in 1 tablespoon chives, parsley, dill and chopped chervil (or parsley). Transfer the soup to a blender and blend until smooth. (Use caution when pureeing hot liquids). Return the soup to the pan. Add milk and bring to just below a simmer, stirring, over medium heat. Stir in lemon juice, salt and pepper. Ladle into soup bowls. Garnish each serving with a dollop of yogurt, a sprinkling of the remaining chopped chives and a sprig of chervil (or parsley). Get Cooking: http://www.cooking.com/recipes-and-more/RecDetail.aspx?rid=9280#ixzz2RKJpw7Bo