# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 17.6 oz fresh green asparagus, trimmed and cut into 3/4 inch pieces, tips reserved
02 - 1 medium leek, white and light green parts only, sliced
03 - 1 small onion, chopped
04 - 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
→ Liquids
05 - 4 cups vegetable broth
06 - 5 fl oz heavy cream
→ Seasonings
07 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
08 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
09 - Pinch of nutmeg, optional
10 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
→ Garnish
11 - Reserved asparagus tips, blanched
12 - Chopped fresh chives or parsley, optional
# Directions:
01 - Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, leek, and potato, then sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened but not browned.
02 - Add the asparagus stalks to the saucepan, reserving the tips, and continue cooking for 2 minutes.
03 - Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until vegetables are tender.
04 - While vegetables simmer, blanch the reserved asparagus tips in boiling salted water for 1 to 2 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside for garnish.
05 - Using an immersion blender, purée the soup until smooth. Alternatively, blend in batches using a countertop blender.
06 - Stir in the cream and bring the soup back to a gentle simmer. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if desired. Add lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
07 - Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with blanched asparagus tips and fresh herbs.
