Fresh Asparagus Soup

Name: Fresh Asparagus Soup
Yield: 6 servings.
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon canola oil; 1 small onion, chopped; 1 garlic clove, minced; 2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 5 cups); 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth; 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided; 2-1/2 cups fat-free milk, divided; 2 tablespoons butter; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/8 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 cup half-and-half cream; 2 tablespoons white wine; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Minced fresh chives, optional

We have a large asparagus patch and are able to freeze a lot for the year. This recipe highlights all the flavor of the vegetable and is very easy to make. I like to heat some soup up in a coffee mug for an afternoon snack! —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin

Ingredients

1 teaspoon canola oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 5 cups)
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
2-1/2 cups fat-free milk, divided
2 tablespoons butter
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup half-and-half cream
2 tablespoons white wine
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Minced fresh chives, optional

Directions

In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir 4-6 minutes or until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Add asparagus and broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 8-10 minutes or until asparagus is tender. Remove from heat; cool slightly. Transfer to a blender; cover and process until smooth.
In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons flour and 1/4 cup milk until smooth; set aside. In same saucepan, heat butter over medium heat. Stir in seasonings and remaining flour until smooth; cook and stir 45-60 seconds or until light golden brown. Gradually whisk in cream, remaining milk and reserved flour mixture. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in wine, lemon juice and asparagus mixture; heat through. If desired, top each serving with chives.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 154 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 585mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat-free milk.