Vegan Cream Of Asparagus Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

sea salt
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 large bunch asparagus, ends trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
2 quarts vegetable stock (or faux chicken stock)
1 bay leaf
1 cup thick cashew cream, plus more for garnish (Cashew Cream(Regular and Thick))
fresh ground black pepper
2 cups fresh Baby Spinach
baby greens (to garnish, or use chopped chives, or chopped or slivered cooked beets)

Preparation

Place a large stockpot over medium heat. Sprinkle the bottom with a pinch of sea salt and heat for 1 minute. Add the oil and heat for 30 seconds, being careful not to let it smoke. This will creat a nonstick effect.
Add the asparagus, celery, and onion and saute for 6-10 minutes, just until celery is soft. Add the stock and bay leaf, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 10 more minutes. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Working in batches, pour the soup into a blender. Cover the lid with a towel(the hot liquid may spout out of the blender), blend on high. Add the spinach to the last batch and continue blending until smooth. Pour the soup into a large bowl and stir to incorporate the spinach batch.
Ladle into bowls and garnish with baby greens(or use chives or beets) and drops of Cashew Cream. Enjoy!