Asparagus Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds asparagus, trimmed
• 3 Tbsp butter
• 1 cup shallot or onion, chopped
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup crème fraiche or heavy cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh thyme leaves, sliced chives, or basil (optional)

Directions:

1. Cut tips from asparagus. If asparagus is thick, slice each tip in half lengthwise so they won’t sink in the soup after cooking. Blanch tips in boiling, salted water for 1 minute, until tender-crisp. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking; drain again.
2. Place a large saucepan over medium heat. Add butter. When butter melts, add shallot and cook, stirring often, until soft and translucent. Add cut asparagus and broth. Cover and simmer gently for 10 minutes or until asparagus is tender.
3. Blend soup with an immersion blender until very smooth. Or whirl in a blender until smooth (be careful when puréeing hot soup, work in batches and secure the lid covered with towel). Stir crème fraiche into soup, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
4. To serve, ladle soup into bowls and top with asparagus tips and herbs, if desired.