Leek, Asparagus and Herb Soup Recipe

Leek, Asparagus and Herb Soup Recipe

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 medium leeks, trimmed, washed and finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 pound new potatoes, scrubbed and diced
  • 2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 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
  • 1 tablespoon 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
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.)
  4. 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).