Creamy Asparagus Soup

I had an abundance of asparagus and made this soup, it was very quick and easy to make. I did not sieve my soup as per recipe and served it with cream and parmesan. I didn't get much of a taste my DD ate 4 bowls and didn't leave much for anyone else to try, but what I did try was very nice!

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1⁄4 onion, minced
• 1  garlic clove, minced
• 1  teaspoon fresh thyme, minced
• 1  tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2  lbs green asparagus
• 2 1⁄2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1⁄2 cup heavy cream
•  shredded parmesan cheese (optional)
•  salt & pepper
• 1⁄2  lemon, juice of

Directions

1. Cut tips from asparagus, and reserve for garnish. Cut stalks and all remaining asparagus into 1 cm pieces.
2. In a heavy saucepan cook the onion, garlic, thyme, salt and black pepper (to taste) in the butter over moderately low heat, stirring, until the onion is soft. Add the asparagus and the broth, and simmer the mixture, covered, for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the asparagus is very soft.
3. While soup simmers, cook reserved asparagus tips in boiling salted water until just tender, 3 to 4 minutes, then drain and set aside.
4. In a blender purée the soup in batches until it is very smooth, forcing it after it is puréed through a fine sieve set over the pan, if you prefer a chunkier soup you do not need to sieve. Whisk in the cream, until it is the consistency preferred, and add the lemon juice, parmesan, and more salt and pepper to taste if necessary.
5. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the asparagus tips.
6. You can serve then serve the soup topped with croutons extra cream or parmesan cheese, whichever you prefer.