CHILLED AVOCADO-CUCUMBER SOUP WITH CROSTINI

Chilled Avocado-Cucumber Soup with Crostini image

Provided by Shira Bocar

Time 1h35m

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 English cucumbers, peeled and chopped
2 avocados, halved, pitted, and peeled
2 scallions, chopped
1 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves
1 jalapeño, seeds removed for less heat if desired
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 baguette, cut on the bias into 1/4-inch-thick slices
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
4 large eggs
6 ounces thinly sliced ham

Steps:

In a blender, combine cucumbers, avocados, scallions, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, and 1 cup water; blend until smooth. Season with salt and stir in up to 1/4 cup more water until consistency is like that of heavy cream. Refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour and up to 6 hours.
Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange baguette slices on a rimmed baking sheet. Brush both sides with oil; season with salt and pepper. Bake until golden, 15 to 20 minutes.
Prepare an ice-water bath. Bring a pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add asparagus; cook until bright green and tender, 2 to 3 minutes, depending on thickness. Transfer to a plate; let cool slightly.
Return water to a boil; gently lower in eggs with a slotted spoon and cook 7 minutes. Transfer to ice bath and let stand 5 minutes. Peel and halve eggs; season to taste.
Ladle soup into bowls and drizzle with oil. Serve with crostini, asparagus, eggs, and ham.