Hadley, Massachusetts, next door to Amherst, where I
live, proudly claims to be the Asparagus Capital of the U.S. In late May (a tad
earlier this year) this little town has its moment of fame when the farmers
bring their crops to the groceries and outdoor markets, and the locals grab
bunches and head for their kitchens.
This annual asparagus harvest has been the inspiration
for me to create many a new asparagus recipe such as this one for a creamy asparagus
soup topped with quickly sautéed bay scallops and sprinkled with chives and
golden breadcrumbs. This dish boasts lovely color contrasts with the snowy
white shellfish nestled atop the verdant green puree. The textures too are
counterpoints, for the smoothness of the pureed potage and the velvety scallops
play off the crunch of the toasted breadcrumbs.
Like most soups, this one can be prepared ahead, so
you will only need to sauté the scallops and garnish each serving at the last
minute. Pair this delectable asparagus creation with a crisp watercress salad
for lunch, or use it as an opener for a spring dinner. Oh, and if you live in
the Pioneer Valley in western Massachusetts, make it with Hadley spears!
Asparagus Soup with Bay Scallops, Toasted Bread Crumbs, and Chives
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
3 cups chopped leeks, white and light green parts only (about 2
large leeks)
2 pounds medium asparagus, tough ends broken off and
discarded, and stalks cut into 1-inch pieces
4 cups low-sodium chicken stock
Kosher salt
1 cup crème fraiche
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
1 cup fresh coarse breadcrumbs made from French bread (see cooking
tip)
3/4 to 1 pound bay scallops, patted dry or 10 to 12 sea scallops
(with side muscles removed)
quartered
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped chives
1. Heat 3 tablespoons butter in large, heavy deep-sided
nonreactive pot set over medium heat. When butter is melted and hot, add leeks
and sauté, stirring, until softened, 4 to 5 minutes. Add asparagus and stir and cook 1 minute
more.
2. Add stock and 1teaspoon salt. Bring mixture to simmer, lower heat, and cook at a simmer until
vegetables are very tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat and puree
mixture in small batches in a food processor, blender, or food mill. Return to
pot in which it was cooked. Or, use an immersion blender to puree the soup in
the pot.
3. Whisk in crème fraiche, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper. Season with additional salt if needed. Place
pot over very low heat to keep warm while finishing the soup. (Soup can be
prepared 2 days ahead. Cool, cover, and refrigerate. Reheat, stirring, over
medium heat.)
4. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a medium, heavy skillet
over medium heat. When hot, add the breadcrumbs and cook, stirring constantly,
until they are crisp and a rich golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the
skillet and place on a plate. (Breadcrumbs can be prepared 3 hours ahead.
Cover with plastic wrap and leave at room temperature.)
5. Remove the skillet from the heat and wipe clean with
a paper towel. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil and remaining 1 tablespoon butter
to the skillet and set it over medium-high heat. When butter and oil are
hot, add scallops to skillet and cook until light golden brown and just cooked
through, about 1 to 11/2 minutes per side, depending on their size which
can vary. Season scallops with salt and pepper.
6. To serve, ladle soup into 6 shallow soup bowls. Divide scallops
evenly atop soup in each bowl, and sprinkle each serving with breadcrumbs and
chives. Serves 6.
Cooking tip: Use a good quality peasant loaf with crusts removed.
Cut the bread into chunks and place them in a food processor. Pulse just until
you have coarse crumbs.
Yummy!
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