Showing posts with label fried basil. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fried basil. Show all posts

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Cream of Asparagus Soup with Fried Basil

Nothing is better during asparagus season then a big bowl of creamy asparagus soup, lightly seasoned and filled with tons of fresh basil.

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Cream of Asparagus Soup
serves 4
2 tbl extra virgin olive oil
1 white onion, small dice
salt
white pepper
1/4 red pepper flakes
2 heads asparagus, ends trimmed, medium dice
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup loosely packed basil leaves, roughly chopped
3 cups vegetable broth
4 cups water
1/2 cup vegan sour cream, plus more for garnish

Sweat the onions in olive oil until soft and translucent, 7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Add the asparagus, garlic and basil and saute 5 minutes more. Add the broth and water and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes until the asparagus is tender.
Transfer to a blender and blend until smooth. Add the sour cream and taste to season with more salt and pepper. Bring back to the pot and reheat if necessary.

Fried Basil
3 tbl extra virgin olive oil
10 large basil leaves
fine ground sea salt

Fry the basil leaves for a few seconds each in olive oil until crispy. Be ready with tongs! These only need 5 seconds or so each before they burn. Drain on a paper towel and sprinkle with sea salt.