Asparagus Soup
(Spargelsuppe)
In Germany, the arrival of Spargel, or asparagus, in the open-air markets
is a much-looked for sign of spring. Germans are fussy about the quality
of their asparagus, knowing and preferring specific regions and even growers.
Asparagus is almost always of the white variety, and nice plump stalks
are the most prized. Because asparagus preparation involves peeling away
the tough outside of a stalk's lower half, a time-consuming chore that
requires some skill, guests are often invited to peeling parties where
everyone helps out.
Serves 4
Ingredients:
1 lb. asparagus
3-1/4 cups salted water
pinch of sugar
1/2 cup cream
3 egg yolks
pepper
2 tsp. lemon juice
1 tbsp. white wine
2 tbsp. ham, diced
1 tbsp. butter
Directions:
Scrape asparagus stalks to remove tough portion and slice into generous
bite-size pieces. Place in boiling salted water with a pinch of sugar.
Simmer gently for 20 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in cream. Blend in
lightly beaten egg yolks. Season with pepper, add lemon juice and white
wine.
Fry diced ham in butter till crisp. Sprinkle on top. Serve at once.
Guten Appetit!
Please visit our recipe archive for
past months' dishes.
German Embassy
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