British asparagus and pea spring minestrone soup
This light and flavoursome spring soup is perfect for lunchtime.
What you will need
Serves: 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
30g butter
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 medium-sized fennel bulb trimmed and thinly sliced
3 small carrots trimmed, peeled and cut into rounds
6 spring onions trimmed and cut into 3
150ml dry white wine
500ml good vegetable stock
250g British asparagus tips
150g fresh peas (podded weight) or frozen petit pois
5 tbsp finely chopped mixed herbs to include mint, chives and parsley
100ml double cream
A squeeze of lemon
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper
Method
- Melt the oil and butter in a large pan. Add the fennel and carrots and stir over a gentle heat for about 5-6 minutes being careful not to burn.
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Add the spring onion and cook until softened.
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Pour in the white wine and reduce by half.
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Add the vegetable stock and cook for a further 5 minutes on a low to moderate heat.
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Add the asparagus and peas and cook for a further 5 minutes until tender.
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Stir in the herbs and cream and season well with a squeeze of lemon juice, sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
