11694 White Asparagus Soup with Pistachios 40 mins 40 mins 6 to 8 servings Mon Apr 14 22:39:00 -0700 2008 Wed Apr 22 12:13:27 -0700 2009 Easy American CHOW http://www.chow.com/recipes/11694 Wed, 22 Apr 2009 19:13:27 GMT Lesser-known white asparagus takes center stage Lesser-known white asparagus takes center stage in this easy soup. Though prized as the more regal asparagus by Germans and the French, white asparagus tends to take a backseat to green on this side of the Atlantic. But in this simple soup, it holds center stage.

What to buy: Pistachio oil, with its nutty, multidimensional flavor, makes a sophisticated garnish for this light-bodied soup. You can find it at some health food stores or online. If you can’t locate it, walnut oil is a decent substitute.

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  • Heat butter in a large pot over medium heat. When butter foams, add onion and 3 teaspoons of the salt, and season with freshly ground black pepper. Stir to coat onion in butter and cook until tender and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Add asparagus and potato and cook, stirring occasionally, until potato just starts to soften and liquid is cooked off, about 10 minutes. Add water and broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer until asparagus is fork tender, about 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Allow soup to cool slightly, then purée in a blender until smooth. (You will have to do this in batches.) Whisk in curry powder and remaining 2 teaspoons salt. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. To serve, divide soup among bowls, drizzle with pistachio oil (if using), and sprinkle with nuts.

    • Beverage pairing: Salomon Hochterrassen Grüner Veltliner, Austria. A delicacy across Europe, white asparagus has a mellow flavor and takes well to a little butter and seasoning. An accompanying wine should have richness, but not so much that it overtakes the delicacy of the asparagus. Grüner Veltliner, because of its slightly herbaceous qualities, is a natural pairing here. This particular version from Salomon is perched perfectly between richness and vibrancy to accentuate the dish.

    ]]>     http://www.chow.com Aida Mollenkamp 49 Soup/Salad/Sandwich 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

    ]]>     54 1 medium yellow onion, coarsely chopped

    ]]>     301 5 teaspoons kosher salt

    ]]>     95 2 pounds white asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces

    ]]>     69 1 medium Yukon Gold potato, peeled and coarsely chopped

    ]]>     3 cups water

    ]]>     2 cups low-sodium chicken broth**

    ]]>     148 1/2 teaspoon sweet curry powder

    ]]>     Pistachio oil, for garnish (optional)

    ]]>     1/2 cup shelled, roasted, salted pistachios, coarsely chopped

    ]]>     2395 aida mollenkamp 1 chow 6074 spring ingredients 466 onions 273 party 4187 passover 257 potatoes 695 quick 14511 secret ingredient 384 easy 388 healthy 435 vegetarian 1619 omnivore 1047 warming 1021 comfort 662 one pot 2747 make ahead