Appetizer Recipes : Cream of Asparagus Soup

Ingredients :

3 cups asparagus, sliced in bite-sized pieces with tough ends removed
2 cups chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1 garlic clove, minced
1 Tbsp. flour
1 tsp. fresh thyme
2 cups milk
Pinch of nutmeg
1 Tbsp. butter
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp. grated lemon zest

Combine asparagus, chicken broth, bay leaf and garlic in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until asparagus is tender. Remove bay leaf, place asparagus mixture in the blender and puree until smooth. Place flour in the saucepan along with thyme, milk, and nutmeg and whisk until blended. Add pureed asparagus, butter, salt and pepper and lemon zest. Simmer for 5 minutes and serve.

Tips : Use fat free chicken broth and low fat milk.