Here at The Cupboard we have carried Ina Garten’s cookbooks from the beginning of her career. She is a favorite among the staff, and her recipes often show up at staff potlucks or are discussed over lunch. This soup is particularly lovely and great for this cold winter weather. The recipe comes from Ina Garten’s cookbook “Cooking for Jeffery” published in 2016. This is part of our regularly stocked cookbooks, so if, after making this delicious soup, you find you need to come in and take home this cookbook, we can help! We highly recommend adding it to your cookbook collection. Lori will be making this soup in our kitchen for the February 16th Foodie Walk from 5-8pm! Stop by and try it in person!

Asparagus and Fennel Soup   serves 6-8

2 1/2 tablespoons good olive oil

2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter

5 cups (3/4 inch diced) fennel, tops and cores removed. (two fennel bulbs)

3 cups chopped leeks, white and light green parts (2 leeks)

2 1/2 cups chopped yellow onions (2 onions)

1 pound medium think asparagus

1/2 cup long grain white rice

8 cups good chicken stock

3 large sprigs fresh thyme, tied with kitchen string

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup julienned fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish

2 tablespoons Pernod liqueur

1/2 cup half and half

Freshly grated Italian Parmesan cheese for serving [Read more…]