Asparagus Chayote And White Bean Soup Recipes

WHITE ASPARAGUS SOUP

Steps:

• In a large soup pot, add the butter and melt it over medium heat. Add the onion and saute until it begins to soften and melt, but not until brown since you want the soup to maintain a light, creamy shade. Add the peeled white asparagus (it is an extremely fibrous vegetable so make sure to peel it before cooking), the broth and the wine. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer until the asparagus is tender, about 20 to 25 minutes. Let the soup cool for about 5 minutes. Carefully add the soup, in batches, to a blender and puree. Return the soup to the pot over low heat. Add the half-and-half and season with salt and white pepper, to taste. Warm the soup until heated through. Ladle the soup into serving bowls and garnish with chervil before serving.
• In a large soup pot, add the butter and melt it over medium heat. Add the onion and saute until it begins to soften and melt, but not until brown since you want the soup to maintain a light, creamy shade. Add the peeled white asparagus (it is an extremely fibrous vegetable so make sure to peel it before cooking), the broth and the wine. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer until the asparagus is tender, about 20 to 25 minutes. Let the soup cool for about 5 minutes. Carefully add the soup, in batches, to a blender and puree. Return the soup to the pot over low heat. Add the half-and-half and season with salt and white pepper, to taste. Warm the soup until heated through. Ladle the soup into serving bowls and garnish with chervil before serving.

ASPARAGUS, CHAYOTE AND WHITE BEAN SOUP

Steps:

• Peel and cube the squash. Trim the asparagus and cut into 1" lengths, reserving the tips. Heat oil in a large pot and sauté the onions over medium heat until soft, about 2 minutes. Try not to brown the onions. Add the garlic, sauté for 1 min, add the squash and asparagus stalks and sauté for 5 minutes more or until the squash just starts to soften. Add the chick stock, white beans, black pepper and Serrano chile and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the asparagus tips during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Serve with lemon wedges, parmesan and cracked black pepper. The Serrano chile will add just a touch of heat to the broth, but it adds a bright red contrast to the otherwise pale green vegetables. Your guests should be warned - the chile is here for looks and flavor, not for eating!

WHITE BEAN AND ASPARAGUS SALAD

Steps:

• Mix one 15-ounce can cannellini beans (drained and rinsed) with 1 grated garlic clove, 1/4 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons tarragon vinegar or white wine vinegar in a large bowl; let stand 15 minutes. Shave 1 bunch trimmed jumbo asparagus into ribbons with a vegetable peeler. Add to the bowl along with 1 tablespoon chopped tarragon and another 1 teaspoon vinegar; season with salt and pepper and toss. Toast 3 tablespoons panko in 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet; sprinkle over the salad.

WHITE BEAN AND HAM BONE SOUP

Steps:

• Combine ham bone and 4 quarts of water in a large stock pot of Dutch oven at least the night before. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer for 10 to 12 hours.
• In the meantime, place beans in a large pot with water to cover; soak overnight. Drain beans the next day and return to the pot.
• Remove ham bone from the pot and pick off any edible meat. Strain the stock and measure out 3 quarts for the soup. Remaining stock can be frozen.
• Pour 3 quarts of stock over the soaked beans. Add ham, celery, carrots, onion, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover, tilting the lid to allow steam to escape, and simmer until beans are tender, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Add sherry in the last 30 minutes of cooking and season with salt and pepper.
• Ladle soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley.