Asparagus Soup with Parmesan Shortbread Coins

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds asparagus cut into 1-inch pieces
• 0.5 cup baby peas frozen thawed
• 1 teaspoon thyme leaves dried
• 2 large egg yolks 
• 1 tablespoon flat-leaf parsley leaves 
• 1.5 cups flour all-purpose
• 0.8 cup heavy cream 
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt 
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest finely grated
• 50 servings lemon zest finely grated for garnish
• 1 quart chicken broth low-sodium
• 1 medium onion thinly sliced
• 6 ounces parmigiano-reggiano cheese freshly grated
• 50 servings salt and pepper white freshly ground
• 0.3 cup tarragon leaves plus more for garnish
• 1.5 stick butter unsalted softened
• 2 tablespoons butter unsalted

Equipment

• baking sheet
• oven
• pot
• blender
• hand mixer

Directions

1. In a standing electric mixer fitted with the paddle, combine the flour, cheese, thyme, lemon zest and salt.
2. Add the butter and egg yolks and beat at medium speed until lightly moistened crumbs form. Gather the crumbs and knead to form a 2-inch-thick log. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate until chilled, about 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven to 325 and line 2 baking sheets with parchment. Slice the log 1/4 inch thick and arrange on the baking sheets.
4. Bake for about 20 minutes, until golden around the edges; let cool on the sheets.
5. In a large pot, melt the butter.
6. Add the onion, cover and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until softened, about 6 minutes.
7. Add the asparagus and cook for 1 minute.
8. Add the broth and simmer until the asparagus is tender, about 10 minutes.
9. Add the 1/4 cup of tarragon and the parsley. Working in batches, puree the soup in a blender. Return the soup to the pot, add the cream and peas; rewarm. Season with salt and white pepper and garnish with tarragon and zest.
10. Serve with the Parmesan coins.