Asparagus soup

Ingredients

• 200g woody asparagus stumps
• 2 medium leeks
• 50g butter
• 1 tbsp flour
• 300g tender asparagus
• 50ml double cream
• 10 young wild garlic leaves or a few finely chopped chives

Method

Roughly chop the woody asparagus and simmer in 1 litre water for about half an hour. Strain off the stock and throw out the asparagus. Top up with a little water if your stock has reduced a lot – you require about 1 litre.

Meanwhile, chop the remaining asparagus roughly, perhaps keeping a few tips aside for a garnish (just blanch these for 2 mins in boiling water).

Prepare the leeks, discarding the outer layer and tough green tops. Chop finely and rinse to remove any grit. Melt the butter in a large saucepan, add the leeks with a pinch of salt and cook over a low heat until soft but not coloured.

Once the leeks are soft, stir in the flour and cook for 2 mins before slowly adding the asparagus stock, stirring all the time.

Add the chopped asparagus and cook for about 5 mins, or until just tender (it will depend a little on the thickness). Blend the soup, add the cream and balance with salt and pepper.

Slice the garlic leaves as finely as possible and garnish the soup before serving. Add the asparagus tips too if using.

Image: Kim Lightbody