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Honored Contributor
Posts: 10,620
Registered: ‎09-22-2010

ASPARAGUS SOUP WITH CREME FRAICHE FLOAT AND BROWN BUTTER HAZELNUTS

I took a cooking class last night and while everything was delicious this was a real stand out.

1 pound asparagus, tough ends removed
2 T unsalted butter
1 cup diced sweet onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 T Herbes de Provence
3 cups vegetable or chicken stock
Freshly ground white pepper
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1 T fresh tarragon, chopped

Cut asparagus into very thin slices.

Heat butter in a pot over med-low heat and cook onions, garlic and Herbes de Provence for 6-8 minutes or until onions are tender. Pour the stock into the pot. Add the asparagus and simmer until asparagus is tender, about 10 minutes. Season with pepper. Stir in the basil and tarragon. Allow soup to cool slightly and puree in batches in a blender. Serve topped with Creme Fraiche and Brown Butter Hazelnuts.

CREME FRAICHE FLOAT:
1/2 cup creme fraiche
1/4 t lemon zest
1 t lemon juice
salt and white pepper to taste.

Combine and whip until very soft peaks form.

BROWN BUTTER HAZELNUTS:
3 T unsalted butter
1/2 cup hazelnuts
1 T chopped basil
Salt to taste

Heat butter in small saute pan until it is bubbling and just starting to turn a light golden color. Add the hazelnuts and cook until they are toasted and butter is deeply golden. Stir in the basil and season with salt.

The asparagus has to be sliced very thin to get a smooth soup. Don't overcook or you will get a khaki color instead of spring green.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,010
Registered: ‎08-29-2010

Re: ASPARAGUS SOUP WITH CREME FRAICHE FLOAT AND BROWN BUTTER HAZELNUTS

@DiAnne  I was searching for something else, but found this recipe.  Serendipity!  This one is going into my files, so here is a belated Thank You.  --Mrs. G.

Strive for respect instead of attention. It lasts longer.
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Honored Contributor
Posts: 10,430
Registered: ‎05-15-2016

Re: ASPARAGUS SOUP WITH CREME FRAICHE FLOAT AND BROWN BUTTER HAZELNUTS

That sounds wonderful and so springy!  I'm printing it now!

 

thanks for the recipe!

Valued Contributor
Posts: 932
Registered: ‎11-01-2010

Re: ASPARAGUS SOUP WITH CREME FRAICHE FLOAT AND BROWN BUTTER HAZELNUTS

@DiAnne

 

I love your recipe! It sounds so fresh. It isn't laden with cream...which tastes so good but is bad for my hips😀 I have a question...  On the garnish, are the hazelnuts whole? Thank you!

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Nelson Mandela
Honored Contributor
Posts: 10,620
Registered: ‎09-22-2010

Re: ASPARAGUS SOUP WITH CREME FRAICHE FLOAT AND BROWN BUTTER HAZELNUTS

@rrpell

 

They were whole but I don't think it would matter if you coarsely chopped them.  

Valued Contributor
Posts: 932
Registered: ‎11-01-2010

Re: ASPARAGUS SOUP WITH CREME FRAICHE FLOAT AND BROWN BUTTER HAZELNUTS

@DiAnne.  Thank you.  Looking forward to making it!

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Nelson Mandela