Asparagus Soup with Lemon Creme Fraiche

Name: Asparagus Soup with Lemon Creme Fraiche
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings.
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, chopped; 4 cups cut fresh asparagus (1-inch pieces); 3 medium red potatoes, peeled and cubed; 2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) vegetable broth; 2 teaspoons grated lemon peel; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; GARNISH:; 1/4 cup minced chives; 1/4 cup creme fraiche or sour cream; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel

A fresh and easy asparagus soup, pureed until it's smooth, is a definite winner. Serve it warm or chilled depending on the weather.—Fern Vitense, Tipton, Iowa

Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
4 cups cut fresh asparagus (1-inch pieces)
3 medium red potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) vegetable broth
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
GARNISH:
1/4 cup minced chives
1/4 cup creme fraiche or sour cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel

Directions

In a large saucepan, heat butter and oil over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender. Add asparagus and potatoes; cook 3 minutes longer. Stir in broth, lemon peel and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Cool slightly. Process soup in batches in a blender until smooth. Return all to pan and heat through. Combine garnish ingredients; serve with soup.