PAN-ROASTED ASPARAGUS SOUP

Pan-Roasted Asparagus Soup image

This simple soup can be ready in under an hour and takes full advantage of the flavor of asparagus by pan-roasting it before puréeing. Fresh tarragon takes it up a notch.

Provided by Mark Bittman

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 5

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds thin asparagus (if only thick spears are available, peel them first)
2 tablespoons butter or extra virgin olive oil
10 fresh tarragon leaves, or 1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon
4 cups chicken or other stock
Salt and pepper

Steps:

Break off bottom part of each asparagus stalk, and discard. Coarsely chop the rest of stalks, leaving 12 or 16 of the flower ends whole. Put butter or oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. A minute later, add asparagus and tarragon, raise heat to high, and cook, stirring occasionally, until nicely browned, about 10 minutes. Remove whole flower ends; set aside.
Add stock and some salt and pepper; bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until asparagus is very tender, about 10 minutes. Cool at least a few minutes.
Pour soup into a blender, in batches if necessary, and carefully purée. Return to pan, and, over medium-low heat, reheat gently. When soup is hot, adjust seasoning. Put 3 or 4 asparagus flower ends in each of 4 bowls; ladle in soup, and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 399, UnsaturatedFat 19 grams, Carbohydrate 8 grams, Fat 28 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 30 grams, SaturatedFat 7 grams, Sodium 741 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams, TransFat 0 grams