Leek, Asparagus & Herb Soup

Like a bouquet of fresh vegetables, this light but soothing soup is just the thing on a cool spring evening. It is important to cut the green vegetables into small pieces so they cook quickly, while retaining their bright color.

Recipe

6 servings, about 1 cup each ; Active Time: 25 minutes ; Total Time: 40 minutes

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

2 medium leeks, trimmed, washed and finely chopped (1 1/2 cups)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 pound new potatoes, scrubbed and diced (about 1 2/3 cups)

2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth, or vegetable broth

1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces (1 1/2-2 cups)

2/3 cup snow peas, or sugar snap peas, stemmed and cut into 1/2-inch dice

3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, divided

2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

2 teaspoons chopped fresh chervil, (see Ingredient note) or flat-leaf parsley, plus sprigs for garnish

2 cups 1% milk

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste

Freshly ground pepper, to taste

1/3 cup low-fat plain yogurt, for garnish

PREPARATION

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add leeks and cook, stirring often, until softened but not browned, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.

Add potatoes and broth; bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender, 10 to 15 minutes.

Increase heat to medium-high and stir in asparagus and peas; simmer, covered, stirring 2 or 3 times, until just tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in 1 tablespoon chives, parsley, dill and chopped chervil (or parsley). Transfer the soup to a blender and blend until smooth. (Use caution when pureeing hot liquids.)

Return the soup to the pan. Add milk and bring to just below a simmer, stirring, over medium heat. Stir in lemon juice, salt and pepper. Ladle into soup bowls. Garnish each serving with a dollop of yogurt, a sprinkling of the remaining chopped chives and a sprig of chervil (or parsley).

TIPS & NOTES

Make Ahead Tip: Prepare through Step 3. Cover and refrigerate for up to 8 hours.

Ingredient Note: Chervil (from the Greek for "herb of rejoicing") has a mild flavor between those of parsley and anise. It doesn't dry well, so is best used fresh.

NUTRITION

Per serving: 132 calories; 4 g fat ( 1 g sat , 2 g mono ); 7 mg cholesterol; 17 g carbohydrates; 0 g added sugars; 7 g protein; 2 g fiber; 196 mg sodium; 302 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: 21 mg vitamin c (33% dv).

Carbohydrate Servings: 1

Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 reduced-fat milk, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat