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Chilled Asparagus Soup with Spinach and Avocado

Serve this no-cook soup straight from the blender when it is still frothy, or well chilled during warmer months. Bright, lemony sorrel makes a nice garnish. If you are unable to find pencil-thin asparagus, trim thicker stalks with a vegetable peeler or paring knife.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Serves 4

Ingredients

1 Kirby cucumber, peeled
8 ounces asparagus, preferably pencil thin, tough ends trimmed and spears cut into 2-inch pieces
2 cups cold water
4 ounces spinach, trimmed, washed well, and drained
4 scallions, trimmed and cut into 2-inch lengths
1 ripe, firm avocado, halved lengthwise, pitted, and peeled
1/4 cup packed fresh mint, plus more for garnish
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
4 to 6 fresh sorrel leaves, cut into fine strips, for garnish (optional)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Halve cucumber lengthwise; cut one half into eighths and the other into 1/4-inch dice. Puree asparagus in a blender with 1/2 cup cold water until smooth.

    Step 2

    Add spinach, scallions, cucumber eighths, and another 1/2 cup water. Blend until completely smooth. Add avocado, mint, and lemon juice; puree until smooth, adding remaining 1 cup water a little at a time until soup reaches desired consistency. Add 3/4 teaspoon salt, and season with pepper. Scrape down sides of blender with a flexible spatula, and puree 5 seconds more. If you would like the soup chilled, refrigerate at least 30 minutes (and up to 1 day, covered).

    Step 3

    Divide soup among four bowls, and garnish each with diced cucumber, sorrel (if using), and a mint sprig. Serve immediately.

  2. Nutrition Information

    Step 4

    (Per Serving)

    Step 5

    Calories: 119g

    Step 6

    Saturated: 1.1g

    Step 7

    Unsaturated Fat: 6g

    Step 8

    Cholesterol: 0mg

    Step 9

    Carbohydrates: 11g

    Step 10

    Protein: 3.9g

    Step 11

    Sodium: 277mg

    Step 12

    Fiber: 6.4g

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