Asparagus Soup

A lighter version of asparagus soup; still creamy in texture but lower in fat and rich in fibre.

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 2  cups water
• 1  stalk celery
• 1 (19 ounce) can  white navy beans
• 1 1⁄2 lbs asparagus
• 1⁄2 teaspoon fennel seed
• 1⁄4 teaspoon celery seed
• 1  teaspoon dried dill or 1  tablespoon fresh dill weed
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon green peppercorn, lightly crushed
• 1  cup  light cream

Directions

1. Wash and cut up the celery and put it in a large pot with the water and the canned beans, including the packing liquid from the beans. Heat to a simmer.
2. Wash the asparagus, and snap off both the tough ends and the tips. Grind the spices and add them to the soup. Add the asparagus stalks and ends to the soup and simmer until quite tender; about 10 minutes. Reserve the tips.
3. Remove the tough stem ends from the soup and discard. Puree the soup thoroughly in a blender. The soup may be made ahead up to this point; it should keep in the fridge for 24 hours.
4. To serve, add the cream (if using) and reheat the soup gently. Steam the reserved tips separately until tender.
5. Serve the soup garnished with the steamed tips.