CREAM OF ASPARAGUS SOUP WITH MILK RECIPES

Steps:

• Soak and rinse asparagus.
• Remove top 1 inch of each spear, discard tough lower part, and reserve middle portion of stalks.
• In a 3-quart saucepan, over medium heat, sauté onion in butter for 3 to 5 minutes or until translucent.
• Add chicken stock, asparagus tips and stems, potato, celery, thyme, and pepper.
• Cover and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat to low and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes or until vegetables are soft.
• Remove from heat and let cool.
• Remove asparagus tips and set aside.
• Place half of the soup at a time in a blender container.
• Cover and blend at high speed for 20 to 30 seconds or until very smooth.
• Pass through a fine sieve and return blended soup to saucepan.
• Add reserved asparagus tips and cream (or half and half, or milk) and heat thoroughly, or refrigerate to be served cold.
• Be sure to adjust the seasoning after you add the cream (or half& half, or milk), especially if you plan to serve it cold.

Steps:

• Melt 1 tablespoon butter in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until tender, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Add flour and stir 2 minutes. Gradually mix in canned chicken broth. Bring mixture to boil. Add asparagus pieces and summer savory and simmer until asparagus is very tender, about 25 minutes. Cool slightly.
• Drain asparagus, reserving cooking liquid. Puree asparagus in food processor. With machine running, Gradually add 1/2 cup cooking liquid. Return mixture to saucepan. Season with salt and pepper. (Soup can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.) Bring soup to simmer. Ladle into bowls. Top with dollops of sour cream or yogurt, if desired.