Spinach and asparagus soup

Ingredients

For the soup:

900 g green asparagus

3 tbsp butter

1 onion

4 cloves garlic

4 medium potatoes

2 large handfuls spinach

4 cups stock

2 tbsp white wine vinegar

salt & black pepper

For the topping:

The reserved raw tips from the asparagus

2 cups cooked puy lentils (1 cup uncooked, boiled in water for 18 minutes)

1 cup dry-toasted and salted pumpkin seeds

1 large bunch flat leaf parsley

1/2 chili, finely chopped (optional)

2 tbsp olive oil

Directions

1. Trim the tough ends off the asparagus. Cut in diagonal pieces, 1/2 inch thick.
2. Save the asparagus tips for the topping.
3. Heat butter in a large saucepan. Finely chop onion, garlic and potato and add to the the pan and sauté for about 5 minutes or until soft.
4. Add the asparagus, stir around and let fry on low/medium heat for a minute, then add spinach, stock, white wine vinegar and season with salt and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 10-15 minutes.
6. Meanwhile prepare the topping: Finely chop the asparagus tips and the parsley and place in a bowl together with the boiled lentils and the toasted pumpkin seeds. Add chili if your prefer it a little spicy. Pour over olive oil and stir around until it’s all mixed well.
7. Carefully pour the soup into a blender or use a hand blender to mix until smooth.
8. Taste the soup, add more water or salt and pepper if needed.
9. Serve the soup with a generous portion of the lentil mixture on top. Enjoy!

This recipe tastes even better made with vegetables from Community Harvest Whetstone :)