White Asparagus and Green Garlic Soup

Yield: 6 servings

• 3 bunches white asparagus
• 2 bunches green garlic, washed thoroughly and roughly chopped
• 3 leeks, white part only, washed and diced
• 4 ounces whole butter
• 6 cups clear vegetable stock
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 cup white wine
• 2 ounces chives, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sauté green garlic in butter. Add leeks and continue cooking, until translucent, being careful not to brown ingredients. Season with salt and pepper. Peel white asparagus and cut into one-inch lengths, reserving the tips for garnish. Add white wine to the leeks and garlic and reduce until almost dry. Add white asparagus and vegetable stock. Simmer until all ingredients are tender. Add heavy cream and simmer for 10 more minutes. Purée in batches if necessary and strain. Return to saucepan and add asparagus tips. Check seasoning, add salt if necessary, and finish with the fresh thyme. When asparagus tips are tender, pour soup into bowl and garnish with chopped chives.

Wine Pairing 1988 Dr. F. Weins-Prum Reisling Kabinett Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Wehlener Sonnenuhr