Cream of Asparagus Soup

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cups onions, minced
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 1/8 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed (thin asparagus is recommended)
• 1/4 cup creme fraiche or whipping cream
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   In a 4-quart pan, melt butter.

2. 2

   Add onion and cook just until soft and golden; do not brown.

3. 3

   Add chicken stock and bring to a boil.

4. 4

   Meanwhile, cut 3 inches of tips off asparagus and set aside.

5. 5

   In food processor or blender or by hand, slice remaining asparagus into ¼-inch pieces.

6. 6

   Drop pieces into boiling broth. Cover and simmer until very soft, about 30 minutes.

7. 7

   Cool for 10 minutes, and then puree soup in blender or processor.

8. 8

   Return soup to pan.

9. 9

   Add asparagus tips and simmer until just tender, about 5 minutes.

10. 10

    Stir in cream.

11. 11

    Season with salt and pepper and a drop or two of lemon juice.

12. 12

    Serve warm or cold.