ROASTED ASPARAGUS SOUP WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATOES AND PARMESAN CROUTONS

Roasted Asparagus Soup with Sun-dried Tomatoes and Parmesan Croutons image

Provided by Robin Miller : Food Network

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

4 slices bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
Cooking spray
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 leeks, rinsed well and chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Roasted asparagus, chopped, about 4 cups
1 baking potato, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
6 cups reduced-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 cup diced oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
Special Equipment: Immersion blender, optional
Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray.

Steps:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Arrange bread cubes on prepared baking sheet and spray with cooking spray. Sprinkle cubes with parmesan cheese. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
While the croutons are baking, heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add leeks and garlic and cook for 2 minutes, or until soft. Add bay leaves and thyme and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant. Add asparagus, potato and broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium, partially cover and simmer for 10 minutes, or until potato is fork tender. Remove bay leaves, and using an immersion blender, or a regular *blender working in batches, puree soup until smooth. Ladle soup into bowls and top with sundried tomatoes and croutons.