Just can't get it together and a wicked Vegan Rawish Asparagus Soup

So it seems it's almost summer and I think I'm going to rename this blog The Lazy Tomato Snob, or perhaps in the spirit of being a total douche bag TLTS, cause acronyms are oh SHRN (so hot right now). I might have just made that up, but probably it exists. Anyways this is an awesome springy, green, rawish soup recipe and If you like Thai flavors you'll swoon for it. 

INGREDIENTS: 

Medium sweet onion - chopped
4 garlic cloves - minced
1-2 Thai bird chilies - chopped
1 tbs grated ginger
6 dried kaffir lime leaves
1 tbc minced lemongrass 
1 large bunch of asparagus - tough bottoms trimmed off and rough chopped
1 cup frozen sweet peas 
1/2 can coconut milk 
1L vegetable stock
1 tbs coconut sugar (honey or maple syrup can be used instead)
Celtic Sea salt - pinch
1-2 tbs coconut oil 
1 lime - juiced 

GARNISH: 
toasted peanuts
toasted, shredded coconut (sweetened)  
fresh cilantro leaves - optional 
extra section of lime 
finely sliced red bird chili

                                                                            
COOK:
On medium heat sautée onions, garlic, ginger in coconut oil until translucent. Add a pinch or two of salt, chillies, kaffir lime, lemongrass and continue to cook for another minute or two. Then add asparagus and cover to allow them to slightly steam only until they go bright green (1-2 minutes). Add in coconut milk, and stock, stir to combine, and remove from heat immediately. Add the peas and blend everything until smooth. 

TIPS: 

Freeze your ginger and grate it into the pot using a wrasp or microplane. Gourmet Garden makes a great organic line of minced herbs and spices, I always keep the lemongrass to throw into soups, dressings and even juices. You can find their products in most Canadian grocery stores.

Saying goodbye to sesame & a speedy Thai Style Slaw

The test results are in and I'm very pleased to announce I am not lactose intolerant nor am I a glutentard (my apologies to those who have taken offence to that statement).  Yes it's all very exciting. I do not have to say goodbye to my good friends 1%, Drunken goat or sour dough. I'm not completely in the clear as It seems I have two pretty high reactions to some slightly random ingredients. The first is cranberry which I'm really not too sad to see go, the second definitely a little morose about - yes I'm extremely melodramatic. You love it! My beloved sesame seed, I shall miss you dearly. No bagel will ever be the same. Every time I go for Middle Eastern food I will be reminded of the good old days when my pita was slathered in hummus and tahinah. If only this food allergy covered all my problems in life. The test actually shed some more light on to why I haven't been feeling so hot, but I'll save the nitty gritty for another post. For now my farewell to sesame continues... This easy slaw is best attempted with a mandolin or some serious knife skills and a sharp handful of Japanese steel. Ie. you need a good knife! 

INGREDIENTS: everything gets a fine julienne

green apple

carrot

celery

red cabbage 

green cabbage 

kale 

romaine 

peeled frozen shrimp - or cooked if you like (thaw in cold water)

FOR THE DRESSING: Whisk everything together

1/2 cup natural  peanut butter  (I like to use crunchy for texture)
4 limes - zest and juice- oranges work well too

1/4 cup honey
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
1 teaspoon sambal 

2 tbs sesame oil  

splash of water - optional depending on how thick/ thin the dressing is

PREP: Chop veg, & whisk dressing. 

COOK: Bring a small salted pot of water to a boil, then drop your shrimp for 45 seconds to a minute. 

SERVE: With black sesame seeds and or toasted peanuts.