Rhubarb, asparagus, and spinach show up early in the farmers markets in Minnesota. This sweet and savory soup uses all three together, a true tribute to spring's bounty.
Course Main Dish - Vegetarian, Soups and Stews, Starters
Cuisine American, Italian, Mediterranean
Servings 6
Calories 201kcal
Ingredients
2cupsrustic bread cut into 1-inch cubes
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6asparagus spears trimmed and cut in half crosswise
1tablespoonextra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
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1 1/2poundstrimmed rhubarb stalks cut into 1/4-inch pieces
2cupswater
1/2cupthinly sliced shallot
1/4cupextra-virgin olive oil
3tablespoonssugar
1 1/4teaspoonsKosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
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1tablespoonsalted butter
5ouncesbaby spinach
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Maldon sea salt
extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake, occasionally stirring, until toasted and golden, about 12 minutes. Set aside and cool. Increase oven temperature to 375ºF.
Toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes.
Combine the rhubarb, water, shallots, oil, sugar, and salt and pepper in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook, occasionally stirring, until the rhubarb is tender, about 10 minutes. Transfer the soup to a blender (or use an immersion blender), blend, and return to the pot. Heat to a simmer, cover, and turn off the heat.
Melt the butter in a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat. Add the spinach and saute until wilted.
Fill six small bowls with soup. Divide the asparagus, spinach, and bread cubes between the bowls. Sprinkle with sea salt, drizzle with oil, and serve.