Ingredients

2 tablespoons plus 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving

1 shallot, chopped

1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger

1 russet potato, peeled and chopped (1 1/2 cups)

Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper

1 1/2 pounds asparagus, ends trimmed, stalks chopped (3 cups)

1 cup packed cilantro leaves (from about 1 large bunch)

2 cups packed baby spinach

Lemon wedges, for serving

Preparation

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add shallot and ginger and cook until softened, 4 to 5 minutes. Add potato and 4 cups water. Season with salt and pepper and simmer until potatoes are just tender, 5 to 6 minutes.

Add asparagus and continue to simmer until vegetables are tender, 8 to 10 minutes more. Reserve one cup liquid from pot and transfer the rest of the mixture to a blender; let cool slightly.

Add cilantro and spinach to blender and purée until smooth, adding reserved broth as needed for desired consistency. Return soup to pot and stir in remaining 1/4 cup oil. Season with salt and pepper and serve warm or chilled, with a drizzle of oil, more pepper, and lemon wedges on the side.