Spring Green Soup with Asparagus, Zucchini & Fennel

ingredients

• 1½ medium zucchinis, chopped
• 2 cups asparagus, chopped
• ½ fresh fennel bulb, chopped
• 2 tbsp vegan butter
• ⅛ tbsp asafoetida
• 2 bay leaves
• 1½ tsp salt, or to taste
• ⅓ heaped cup cashews
• 1 cup water

instructions

1. Place a heavy pot over medium heat and add the vegan butter.
2. Once melted, add the chopped fennel and asafoetida. Sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fennel starts to soften and smell fragrant.
3. Add the chopped asparagus, chopped zucchini, bay leaves, salt, cashews, and water.
4. Stir everything together, then place the lid on the pot.
5. Cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are very soft and the cashews have softened.
6. Remove and discard the bay leaves.
7. Let the soup cool slightly before blending.
8. Carefully transfer the soup to a blender and blend until creamy and completely smooth. If blending while warm, make sure to vent the steam.
9. Taste and adjust with more salt if needed.
10. If the soup feels too thick, add a small splash of water and blend again.
11. Serve warm.
12. Sprinkle a little love, say a little prayer, and nourish yourself.

notes

• Cook the vegetables until very soft so the soup blends smoothly.
• You can also fast cook this in a pressure cooker - i find the soup often comes out much smoother and creamier when i do!
• Remove the bay leaves before blending. They are there for flavor but should not be blended into the soup.
• The cashews make the soup creamy and satisfying while keeping it dairy free.
• For a brighter finish, add a squeeze of lemon before serving.
• For extra protein, serve with crispy tofu, roasted chickpeas, hemp seeds, or seeded toast.
• For a nut free version, the cashews would need to be replaced or omitted, but the soup will be less creamy.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water if needed.
• Dietary note — Vegan: ✅ if using vegan butter