I’ll he honest, I hate Spring.  All this crap blooming and spreading its filthy pollen everywhere, it makes me sick.  No.  Really, it makes me sick.  I have horrific allergies and I generally require a trip to the emergency room each Spring.  That being said, there is one really awesome thing that happens every Spring: Fresh Asparagus.  While nothing highlights the delicate flavor of asparagus like a quick blanche, making this easy asparagus soup is a nice and simple way to enjoy this Springtime treat.

What I like about this recipe is that you don’t have to buy fresh asparagus for it, so it works when asparagus is not in season as well.  While it might taste a bit better with fresh asparagus, you can use the ends from the asparagus you’ve been saving (you have been saving those haven’t you?) in your freezer with some great results.

Asparagus Soup Recipe
2 Quarts of Chicken or Vegetable Stock (Homemade preferably or at least low sodium)
2 pounds Green Asparagus

Optional:
1/2 Cup Cream or Milk

1. In a stock pot on medium heat, bring your stock to a simmer.

2. Cut the asparagus into 3 inch lengths and place them into the simmering stock. Let simmer until tender about 15 to 20 minutes.

3. Remove the pot from the heat and remove the asparagus to a separate bowl.  Let the asparagus cool for 10 minutes.

4. Take a third of the cooled asparagus with a cup of the stock and place in a blender.  Blend until pureed.
 
5. Over an empty bowl, push the pureed mix through a fine mesh strainer or a chinois. You’ll be left with a fibrous mesh, but make sure to get all of the liquid out of the pulp.  The pulp can be discarded.

6. Repeat with the other two thirds of the asparagus.

7. Add the liquid from the asparagus to the remaining stock and place on medium-low heat.  Now is the time to add cream or milk if you are so inclined. Stir to combine and bring up to a simmer.

That’s all there is to it.  You can serve this soup warm or cold, it is excellent with some hearty bread on a cold Spring day and serving it with some blanched asparagus tips makes for an excellent garnish. 

A simple soup that is easy to make also hits the spot if you’re head is clogged from all of those lousy plants blossoming.  Stupid Spring.

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