houstons spring vegetable and goat cheese dip.

photo credit

Houston's Spring Vegetable and Goat Cheese Dip from Melanie:

1 cup 3/4 inch pieces asparagus

2 T unsalted butter

1 cup chopped leeks (white and pale-green parts only)

2 T all-purpose flour

1 1/4 cups whole milk

1 cup grated mild white cheddar

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 14 ounce can chopped artichoke hearts in water, drained

1/4 cup fresh (or frozen, thawed) peas

2 T chopped fresh chives

2 T chopped fresh mint

2 T chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1/2 tsp finely grated lemon zest

4 ounces crumbled fresh goat cheese, divided

Preheat oven to 450 F. Cook asparagus in a large pot of boiling water until crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Drain; let cool.

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add leeks and cook, stirring often, unit soft, about 10 minutes. Whisk in flour; gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a simmer, whisking constantly. Cook, whisking occasionally, until thickened; remove from heat. Add cheddar; whisk until cheese is melted and mixture is smooth. Season to taste with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Fold in asparagus (reserve tips), artichoke hearts, peas, chives, mint, flat-leaf parsley, zest and 2 oz. crumbled fresh goat cheese.

Transfer mixture to a 4-5 cup baking dish; arrange asparagus tips on top and dot with another 2 oz. goat cheese. Bake until golden brown and bubbling, 15-20 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.