“Simple Asparagus Soup”

2 bundles of young asparagus spears

6 cups of boiling water

2 teaspoons of massel chicken stock powder

1 small white onion finely chopped

2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil

2 bay leaves

1 tablespoon sour cream (optional)

1 tablespoon of almond flakes (roasted optional)

black pepper to taste

Method:

Heat a medium saucepan and add oil – then the finely chopped onion – cook for a few minutes on medium heat until the onion softens.

Peel the asparagus lightly if necessary – trim off any dried ends – chop in halves then add to the saucepan along with 4 cups of the boiling water and the chicken stock powder and bay leaves. Stir well to dissolve the stock powder.

When boiling reduce to low heat (remove a few stalks of asparagus at this point to add to finished soup) and then simmer for ½ hour or until the asparagus is very soft. Remove from heat – remove the bay leaves and then use a blender or bar mix to liquefy. Add extra hot water if you prefer the soup to have a thinner consistency. Mix through the sour cream. Serve with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper, a few almond flakes, a couple of complete asparagus spears and crunchy rye toast on the side.

For a richer option for a special occasions try:-

Asparagus Soup with Orange

3 bunches asparagus, trimmed
5 cups massel chicken stock
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 white onion, finely diced
1 potato, diced
1 cup and 2 tablespoon orange juice
¾ cup of sour cream
teaspoon orange zest
cracked pepper

Method:-.
Cut asparagus into 5 cm pieces. Set aside some tips for garnish.
Heat oil in a medium saucepan; add onion and pepper to taste. Sauté over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until onions are soft. Add potatoes and one cup of stock, cover pot and cook until potatoes are soft. Add asparagus and rest of stock. Bring to boil, simmer uncovered for about 12-15 minutes until asparagus is soft. Puree in a blender adding cup orange juice. Season to taste.
To serve, ladle soup into soup bowls, top with a little sour cream or plain yoghurt, which has been mixed with the 2 tablespoons of orange juice and zest. Finish with a few asparagus tips.

Additional benefits of asparagus and Asparagus How To’s

(c) Maxine Wright:  Advanced Dip Naturopathy – Medical Herbalist – Nutritionalist – Iridologist – Hemaview Tech - Health Coach – Weight Loss counsellor – Massage Therapist – Beauty Therapist – Speaker.  Step Into Health Wellness