Embarrassing fact #1: I’ve never cooked asparagus, until today. In fact, I’ve only ever tried asparagus once before, and it was overcooked and, to me, disgusting.
Embarrassing fact #2: I’ve never cooked leeks, until today. Aaannd, I only remember ever eating leeks once before, when I was told they were in a potato soup.
Embarrassing fact #3: I’ve never cooked collards, until today. And I don’t ever remember knowingly eating them. Yup. Pret-ty sad.
Today is the start of some new beginnings for me. First, I discovered that I love asparagus, and leeks, and even collards. What?!
What’s more? I love asparagus, leeks, and collards altogether. No, it isn’t green over-kill.
So, why the change in palate?
C-S-A. They all came in my CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) box this week. Click here to learn more about my new CSA series.
Sign up with a CSA near you. Right. Now. 🙂
Okay, about this soup…
This recipe is all about the green vegetables. In other words, it doesn’t have any potatoes or corn or anything like that in it. For me, this soup’s kind of like a celebration of the new and improved presence of asparagus, leeks, and collards in my diet. Yippee!
Won’t you make a pot of this and celebrate your green veggies with me today? (I feel like I’m giving a sermon appeal. :D)
I know you’re going to love this stuff. Eat your greens!
Vegan Cream of Asparagus Soup with Leeks and Collards
Print recipe | Serves | 4 |
| Prep time | 10 minutes |
| Cook time | 15 minutes |
| Total time | 25 minutes |
| Dietary | Diabetic, Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian |
| Meal type | Lunch, Main Dish, Side Dish, Soup, Starter |
| Misc | Serve Hot |
Ingredients
- 2 large leeks (or 3 small ones, washed well with the leaves peeled away, and sliced)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (crushed and minced)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 bunch asparagus (or about 10 spears, chopped into 1/2-3/4 inch sized pieces)
- 8-10 large collard leaves (or use kale or other green, sliced thinly lengthwise, then again horizontally)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (minced)
- 5 cups water (divided)
- 3/4 cups raw cashews
- 2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast flakes
- 1 teaspoon pure cane sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
Directions
| Step 1 | |
| In a large pot, saute your leeks, onion, and garlic in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Saute at medium-high heat for about 2 minutes, or until onions are just started to get tender and turn clear. Pour 1 cup of water into your pot. | |
| Step 2 | |
| Add your chopped asparagus, sliced collards, minced parsley, salt, and celery seed to your pot, and allow them to steam uncovered for 3-5 minutes. | |
| Step 3 | |
| In your blender, combine raw cashews with 2 cups of water, sugar, and yeast flakes. Blend on high for about 30 seconds, or until everything is smooth and creamy. | |
| Step 4 | |
| Pour blender contents into your pot along with 2 more cups of water, and allow soup to simmer for another 5 minutes, or until your asparagus and collards are tender to your preference. I like my asparagus pretty firm, so I don't simmer for long. | |
| Step 5 | |
| Salt to taste, if desired, and serve. Garnish with fresh parsley. | |
