Asparagus-lemon Soup

bluemoon downunder's Note:

One glance at the ingredients and I just loved the sound of this recipe. When I made it, I was not disappointed. It can be served hot or cold, depending on the time of year, your personal preferences and what else you are serving on the day - or evening. Adapted from Rodale's 'Savory Soups and Stews: 100 Hassle-Free Homemade Meals'.

• Total Time: 25 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 1 ¼ lbs fresh asparagus , trimmed and chopped
• 1 cup celery , chopped
• 1 yellow onion , finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves , finely chopped
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup white wine
• ½ teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 pinch white pepper , to taste
• ¾ cup whipping cream

Directions:

1. In a large pot, combine the asparagus, celery, onion and garlic with the chicken broth and - over a high heat - bring to the boil.
2. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, then allow to cool slightly.
3. Process in a blender or food processor until smooth.
4. If serving hot, return to the pot, stir in the remaining ingredients until well-combined and heat the soup until warm. Do not allow it to come to the boil.
5. If serving cold, transfer to a serving dish, stir in the remaining ingredients until well-combined.
6. Serve with warm crusty rolls.

Reviews

[Chef #1295744]

First of all I sauteed the onion, cut the celery to 2 stalks in olive oil until onions were translucent. Then added garlic and asparagus and continued sauteeing for 5 more minutes. Then added 1/2 cup of wine. Burned off the alcohol sauteing for about 2 minutes. Before adding stalks of asparagus I chopped off heads and microwaved in plastic bag to add at the end. Simmered until asparagus very mushy and then blended. Added 1/2 and 1/2 then lemon and asparagus tips. Thanks for all the reviews that helped make the recipe even better!

[dicentra]

This was okay. I think I might have picked the wrong wine or put in too much lemon juice b/c mine just didn't taste quite right. I liked how easy it was to make and used my hand blender to puree the soup. I'll have to try and make this again with a less-strong wine...

[Elmotoo]

Very tasty & almost too easy. I think there's too much celery & next time it will go through the chinois or food mill to get rid of the stringy bits. This might be my soup course at Christmas. :)