Asparagus Soup with Almonds

Instructions

1. Prepare the Asparagus

   10 min hands-on

   • Remove the tough outer skin from the asparagus using a vegetable peeler, leaving the tips intact.
   • Trim off the woody ends and slice the asparagus into even pieces.

2. Infuse the Broth

   2 min hands-on45 min waiting

   • Heat the vegetable broth in a medium pot over medium heat.
   • Add asparagus peels and Parmesan rinds, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 45 minutes.

3. Prep the Vegetables

   5 min hands-on

   • Slice the light green and white parts of the leek into thin rounds.
   • Peel and finely slice the garlic cloves.
   • Rinse the kale, remove stems, and chop leaves into bite-sized pieces.

4. Sauté Aromatics

   7 min hands-on

   • Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
   • Add sliced leeks and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
   • Stir in garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

5. Combine Vegetables

   4 min hands-on

   • Add sliced asparagus, soybeans, and drained pinto beans to the saucepan.
   • Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, stir, and cook for 3-4 minutes.

6. Strain the Broth

   3 min hands-on15 min waiting

   • Strain the infused broth through a sieve into the saucepan with vegetables.
   • Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes until asparagus is tender.

7. Toast the Almonds

   3 min hands-on

   • Heat a small pan over medium heat.
   • Add almonds and toast until golden brown, stirring frequently.

8. Finish with Kale

   2 min hands-on

   • Stir chopped kale into the simmering soup and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
   • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

9. Serve

   2 min hands-on

   • Ladle the soup into bowls.
   • Garnish with toasted almonds and serve warm.
   • Cooking tips:
   • Focus on peeling the lower two-thirds of the asparagus stalk.
   • Watch almonds closely while toasting to prevent burning.
   • For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup and mix it back before adding kale.
   • Enhance the savory profile with a splash of soy sauce or miso paste during simmering.