Being a Benedictine House, we start our day with the office of Lauds followed by Eucharist. As I left the service today, I was struck by just how many years Monasticism has existed and thrived, and how blessed I was to be a part of a living organism that has withstood the passage of time and changed the world in the process.

As I passed through our atrium, I was met with the lovely singing of birds. With the cold winter we’ve had, this promise of spring was a delight to my ears and got me itching to create a light new soup that was both colorful and tasty. I set out for the kitchen to create just that.

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Inspired by the Song of Spring

SERVINGS 6 CHANGE SERVING SIZE

COOK TIME 20

PREP TIME 30

READY IN

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cups sliced leeks white part only, (12 oz.)
• 2 cloves garlic sliced
• 11 oz. red or gold Yukon potatoes peeled and sliced (about 3 potatoes)
• 1 1/2 lbs broccoli florets (2 heads)
• 1 lb asparagus
• 1 tsp fresh thyme (1/2 tsp dried)
• 8-10 cups stock vegetable or chicken
• 4 cups baby spinach leaves packed (3 oz.)

Instructions

1. In a large stockpot over medium heat, sautee leeks, garlic, and thyme in the butter and olive oil until softened- about eight minutes.
2. Add diced potato and cook an additional 5 minutes or until the potatoes begin to take on a slightly translucent hue. Meanwhile, prepare asparagus by snapping off the ends and peeling the sides with a vegetable peeler and cut into 1" pieces.
3. Add broccoli florets to your stock pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add prepared asparagus pieces and cover with 8 cups of stock (vegetable or chicken, whichever you prefer). Stir and bring to a simmer.
4. Cover your pot and cook until your vegetables are tender about 10 min.
5. After 10 minutes, uncover the pot, turn off the heat and add the spinach. Allow to sit for an additional five minutes.
6. Cool slightly, and puree using an immersion blender or a countertop blender. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add more broth to achieve the desired thickness or add some cream. Re-heat and serve. Makes 14 cups of soup.