Asparagus-and-Rice Soup

Name: Asparagus-and-Rice Soup
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: European, Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 large cloves garlic, crushed and peeled; 1/3 c. extra-virgin olive oil, plus 2 tablespoons; 2 c. russet potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 2 potatoes); 3 c. chopped leeks, 1/4 inch of white and all green parts; 2 bay leaves; 1 tbsp. coarse sea salt or kosher salt, plus more to taste; 1 1/2 lb. fresh asparagus, cut into 1/3-inch chunks, plus more spears for garnish; 1 c. arborio rice; Freshly ground pepper, to taste; 1/2 c. grated Grana Padano or Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus more to taste