Chilled Asparagus Soup

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Reposted from RachelRayMag.com

First Line Therapy Servings:

1 Serving = 1/4 Recipe

1 1/2 Category 1 Vegetables (1.5), 1 Oil

Makes: 4 servings

Prep: 10 mins; Cook: 15 mins

Ingredients

2 tablespoons Earth Balance Spread (Modified for First Line Therapy- original recipe called for unsalted butter)

2 leeks, white and light-green parts only, well rinsed and coarsely chopped

1 bunch asparagus, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 2 cups)

3 cups chicken broth (use vegetable broth for a vegan alternative)

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour*

Salt

Directions

In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of the Earth Balance spread, then add the leeks and cook over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Increase the heat to medium. Add the asparagus and 3/4 cup of the chicken broth and cook, uncovered, for 4 minutes. Remove from the heat.
Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of Earth Balance spread in a small nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When the Earth Balance bubbles, add the flour and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon for 1 minute, then reduce the heat to medium and continue stirring for 1 minute more. Gradually whisk in 1 cup more of the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking until smooth and thickened. Remove from the heat.
In a food processor or blender, combine the cooked vegetables with the thickened stock and puree until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add the remaining 1-1/4 cups of the broth and puree 30 seconds more. Season to taste with salt, transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour.

* Is all-purpose flour appropriate for First Line Therapy? Good catch! You’re paying attention! While we normally do not encourage all-purpose flour it is used here in very small amounts (3/4 tsp per serving) and whole wheat flour does not have the same thickening properties that all-purpose flour does so it will not be an appropriate substitute in this circumstance.

Tip

How-to/Leeks:

Cut off the root end and the tough green top.
Halve the white part lengthwise
Soak the stalks in cold water for 10 minutes, then rinse to remove the grit.

Chilled Asparagus Soup

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