Velvety Cream of Asparagus Soup

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smooth, velvety, delicious, and comforting


I recently found this recipe in a magazine from several years ago and since I love asparagus I was pretty certain I was going to have to try it. It did not disappoint me. I love the thick, creamy richness of the texture with tender asparagus tips and fresh cracked pepper. I served it last night with my Homemade Croutons. Aahhh, perfect!

It uses lots of veggies to give it great flavor and half-and-half for the the creamy richness. It was delicious!!


FOR THE SOUP BASE-
Cook, Puree, and Strain:
1 lb. fresh asparagus stems, (reserve the tips)
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups leeks,trimmed, chopped, rinsed, (white and light green parts)
1½ cups red new potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 cup packed fresh parsley
½ cup celery, leaves and ribs, chopped

Melt:
5 Tablespoons unsalted butter
Whisk in and Cook:
¼ cup all purpose flour
Stir in:
3 cups half-and-half
Add and Simmer:
Strained soup base
2 Tablespoons dry sherry
1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice



Prepare the asparagus stems.

Cook stems and remaining vegetables, broth, and parsley over high heat. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until vegetables are tender, 15 minutes.


Puree base in a blender until smooth.


Pour into a medium screen sieve.


Strain and set aside. Use a spatula to help the process along.


Melt butter in a stockpot over medium-low heat.

Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.


Stir in half-and-half. Simmer 4-5 minutes over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened.


Add strained soup base, sherry, and lemon juice.


Steam asparagus tips for 3 minutes. Add to soup and season to taste with salt and pepper.


mmmmmmmmmmmmm!!

Linking to All Things Domestic-Link Party-
and Funky Junk Interiors
The Charm of Home


Be Blessed!

Comments

  1. Lot-O-ChocFebruary 10, 2011 at 3:54 PM

    Oh wow this looks yummy, ive never tried asparagus soup before. It might be something i have to make!

    ReplyDelete
  2. SarahFebruary 11, 2011 at 10:42 PM

    Oh yes, I love asparagus and that looks so delicious! Not too sure about all that half-n-half but that's probably what makes it so good. Oh, well, we only live once, right? LOL

    ReplyDelete
  3. The Charm of HomeApril 21, 2011 at 6:05 PM

    I have never had asparagus soup but the canned kind. This looks so delicious and I am sure this is much tastier. Thanks for linking this up!
    Sherry

    ReplyDelete

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