DAY AFTER EASTER SOUP

Day After Easter Soup image

"Every spring I wait impatiently for the asparagus crop to arrive so I can make cream of asparagus soup. One year I added the leftovers from Easter, and it turned into this hit that has since become a spring tradition." Susan Wilson - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 1h10m

Yield 9 servings (2-1/4 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

2 medium leeks (white portion only), chopped
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 carton (32 ounces) vegetable broth
1 cup water
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1 teaspoon herbes de Provence
1 teaspoon minced chives
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
5 medium red potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1-1/2 cups cubed fully cooked lean ham
1-1/4 cups half-and-half cream
3 tablespoons shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese

Steps:

In a large saucepan, saute leeks in butter until tender. Stir in flour until blended. Gradually add the broth, water, parsley, herbes de Provence, chives, celery seed and nutmeg. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened., Cut tips off asparagus and set aside. Cut stalks into 1/2-in. pieces; add to pan. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until asparagus is tender. Cool slightly., In a blender, process soup in batches until smooth. Return all to pan. Stir in potatoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in asparagus tips; cover and simmer 5-8 minutes longer or until vegetables are tender. Stir in ham and cream; heat through. Sprinkle with cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 207 calories, Fat 8g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 35mg cholesterol, Sodium 824mg sodium, Carbohydrate 24g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 9g protein.