ode to asparagus

i fell in love
with the idea of growing asparagus
ever since i saw this picture



there is just something
about the way it shoots
out of the ground
it looks endearing
and delicious.

rumour has it that it takes
approximately 3 years
of planting asparagus in your garden
before you can get a really solid bed
that will come back every year!

i best find me a slot
and get started!

meanwhile.

here is a recipe that is delicious.
vegan cream of asparagus soup

1 tbsp olive oil
1 bunch asparagus (i used 1.5 as i had some left over from another)
2-3 cloves garlic
half an organic yellow onion
1 rib celery
2 potatoes
4 cups vegetable broth (can do chicken if that is your style)
.5 cup soy milk (can do real milk if that is your style)
salt and pepper
a dash or two dried tarragon
lemon (optional)
goat cheese (optional)

step one

heat olive oil in your favourite soup-making pot. add garlic. wait 2 minutes. add onion and celery. wait 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and you can start to smell the onion and celery.

step two
add asparagus. let is saute with the other veggies and garlic. you may want to put the lid on during this time to keep some steam in for the asparagus to do its thing. wait 3-4 minutes.

step three
add veg broth, soy milk, potatoes and tarragon. bring to a boil. then reduce hit and cook (with the lid on) for approximately 30 minutes or until the potatoes and asparagus have softened.

step four
using a hand blender, blend your soup into a nice thick nutritious soup.

step five
add salt and pepper to taste.

step six
pour yourself a bowl and add lemon to taste. if you are a goats milk fanatic (like moi), add as much goats milk as you see fit.

step seven
enjoy.

for those of you who think the above is too much work..
this is truly yum:

sauteed asparagus with garlic and lemon

1 bunch asparagus
2-3 cloves garlic
1 tbsp olive oil
lemon
salt

step one
heat pan on medium heat. add olive oil. add garlic. wait 1-2 minutes.

step two
add asparagus. put lid on and let it saute for approximately 8 minutes. stir it every once and awhile.

step three
taste test. it should be crunchy yet chewable. add salt and lemon (as much as you want).

step four
enjoy.

p.s. asparagus is one of the most nutrient veggies you can have. it is jammed with vitamins and minerals and even anti-cancer agents. love when food and health combine.