This is THE most forgiving soup. Toss in the vegetables that you like, simmer, purée, chill and serve. Don’t worry about amounts or measurements.
64 ounces, 8 cups vegetable or chicken stock
2 medium baking potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
4 leeks, cut into chunks up to the dark green part (the dark geen part discarded)
3 cloves garlic, peeled and left whole
1-2 pre-washed packs salad spinach
1 bunch asparagus, woody ends trimmed off
1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
1-2 tablespoons mild curry powder (optional)
1) Toss the potato and leek chunks into the stock. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, then add in the rest of the vegetables and the red pepper flakes, bring back to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, until everything is soft, but still nicely green. Purée until smooth, taste for seasoning, like salt, then add in curry powder, taste again and adjust. It should be highly seasoned, because when it is served cold, the flavors are muted. Allow to sit, off the heat at room temperature for 2 hours to cool, then satsh in the fridge.
Store in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but up to 3 days. Serve cold. Makes about 12 cups.