White Asparagus Veloute + Thyme Oil + Smoked Pancetta

• 1 1/8 pounds white asparagus well-peeled
• 1 potato medium all-rounder
• 1/2 brown onion
• 2 carrots roughly chopped
• 2 stalks celery roughly chopped
• 3 stalks flat leaf parsley leaves and stems roughly chopped
• 1 sprig thyme
• 6 slices pancetta smoked flat, or speck
• chicken bones leftover roast, optional
• hard cheese tasty, like aged comte or parmesan, finely grated
• cream fresh full, for drizzling
• 1 bunch thyme
• 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1. To make the thyme oil, blanch a handful of thyme in boiling water for one minute. Drain and plunge into iced water to stop the cooking process. Whisk the thyme with some extra virgin olive oil and leave to steep for 30 minutes before straining through a fine sieve.
2. Remove the rind from the pancetta and gently fry in a deep heavy-based pot. When it has released some fat, add the chopped carrot, celery and onion to the pan and fry for a few minutes. If you have leftover roast chicken bones (especially wings), chuck them in now.
3. Thoroughly peel the asparagus and add just the fibrous skins to the pot with a sprig of thyme and the parsley stalks. Cover the whole thing with water and simmer for 30 minutes. Strain to remove all the chunky bits.
4. Return the stock to the heat and bring to a simmer. Season carefully but well - a flavourful stock is everything. Chop the potatoes into small pieces and add to the stock. After about 10 minutes, do the same for the asparagus.
5. When the potatoes and asparagus are soft through, remove from heat and blend until smooth.
6. When you are ready to serve, fry the slices of pancetta on a medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towel before placing in the soup.
7. Drizzle some fresh cream and the thyme oil over the top. Finish with a few extra thyme leaves and the finely grated cheese.

white asparagus well, brown onion, carrots, stalks celery, parsley, thyme, pancetta smoked flat, chicken, hard cheese tasty, cream fresh full, thyme, extravirgin olive oil

Taken from www.yummly.com/recipe/White-Asparagus-Veloute-_-Thyme-Oil-_-Smoked-Pancetta-1100692 (may not work)