Asparagus vichyssoise soup

Method

1. Heat half the milk in a pan big enough for the soup (about 2.5 litres). When it looks like it might boil, add the leek and simmer for about 5 minutes. Add the asparagus trimmings and simmer for another 5 minutes. Add the potatoes and the salt and stir thoroughly. (Don’t worry if the milk looks like it has curdled or even reduced too much.) Stir the potatoes for about 5 minutes before covering with 500ml water. Simmer gently until the potatoes are tender – about 30 minutes.
2. Add the remaining milk. Now blend the soup and pass it through a sieve to remove any stringy bits from the asparagus trimmings. The soup will seem very thick so let it down with a little more water if you wish. Check the seasoning. The soup will benefit from a dollop of crème fraîche or a drizzle of olive oil.