CREAMED ASPARAGUS SOUP

Creamed Asparagus Soup image

It's not difficult to fix a batch of this smooth, comforting soup. It has wonderful homemade goodness. A singe steaming bowl really warms me up...but I usually can't resist going back for seconds. -Veva Hepler, Walla Walla, Washington

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 8 servings (about 2 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1/2 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) chicken broth
2-1/2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1/4 teaspoon dried tarragon
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
3 cups half-and-half cream
1-1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
Shredded Swiss cheese

Steps:

In a large saucepan, saute onion in oil until tender. Add the broth, asparagus and tarragon. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 8-10 minutes or until asparagus is tender. Cool for 10 minutes., In a blender or food processor, puree the asparagus mixture, a third at a time; set aside. , In a Dutch oven or soup kettle, melt butter; stir in flour, salt and pepper until smooth. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until golden. Gradually add cream. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat; stir in the pureed asparagus and lemon juice and heat through. Sprinkle with cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 224 calories, Fat 17g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 60mg cholesterol, Sodium 462mg sodium, Carbohydrate 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 6g protein.