HAZELNUT ASPARAGUS SOUP

Hazelnut Asparagus Soup image

My heart is happy when bundles of tender local asparagus start to appear at my grocery store in spring. No one would ever guess this restaurant-quality vegetarian soup can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. -Cindy Beberman, Orland Park, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 35m

Yield 4 servings (3 cups).

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup chopped sweet onion
3 garlic cloves, sliced
Dash crushed red pepper flakes
2-1/2 cups cut fresh asparagus (about 1-1/2 pounds), trimmed
2 cups vegetable broth
1/3 cup whole hazelnuts, toasted
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
2 teaspoons reduced-sodium tamari soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt
Shaved asparagus, optional

Steps:

In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic and pepper flakes; cook and stir until onion is softened, 4-5 minutes. Add asparagus and broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until asparagus is tender, 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat; cool slightly., Place nuts, basil and lemon juice in a blender. Add asparagus mixture. Process until smooth and creamy. Return to saucepan. Stir in almond milk, tamari sauce and salt. Heat through, taking care not to boil soup. If desired, top with shaved asparagus.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 164 calories, Fat 13g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 623mg sodium, Carbohydrate 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges