I found this recipe on a Belgian website while I was looking to emulate my (Belgian) boyfriend’s father’s chervil soup. This soup came out lighter in color than his, more of a creamy green as opposed to dark green, but it is simple and delicate. I have a sneaking suspicion that he doesn’t use leeks in his, but I think the leeks add a fuller dimension that I found really satisfying. We eat soup every day of the week with dinner, so it always gets made in big batches and served all week long. Light soups like this are nice for spring. Add little soup meatballs if you like (I do). Also, I used 2 leeks instead of 3 by accident and used a little more water than called for, and it still tasted really nice. I guess the most important thing is not to cook this soup too long because the delicate flavors will deteriorate if overdone.
A springtime treat in France, violet asparagus – gently steamed and then served with hollandaise sauce, divine! All that is needed to accompany this seasonal delicacy is crusty bread and chilled white wine. There are several ways of making this classic French sauce, I give you a very simple method here, and this recipe is well behaved enough to stay warm for up to 30 minutes! There are three types of cultivated asparagus: white, violet and green. The exposure time of asparagus to sunlight determines its colour – under sunlight the white asparagus turns first violet and then green. The cultivation methods applied determine the colour. Green asparagus for example is grown above ground and tastes most similar to the “original” wild asparagus. I like to sprinkle fresh violets from the garden on my asparagus – violets are edible and even if you do not eat them, they make a beautiful garnish! Serves 4 as an appetiser and 2 to 3 as a light meal.
A delicious combination of peas, onions and lettuce which are gently poached in a buttery sauce with crème fraiche and vegetable stock; this classic French recipe is a wonderful way to serve tender little peas, petits pois. This recipe makes a delightful accompaniment to any type of main meal, and adds a real splash of colour. I have stated fresh OR frozen peas in the recipe – frozen peas can be used to great effect out of season. In the absence of small silverskin onions, spring onions (green onions) can be used, making this a very versatile recipe to serve throughout the year. Cut back on the butter if you are on a low fat diet – the taste will be less rich, but still as delicious!
A childhood memory. We used to collect sorrel in our garden and would help prepare this nice spring soup.
Make and share this Schaum Torte – Seafoam Cake recipe from Food.com.
