6 servings

Ingredients

1 pound fresh asparagus
6 cups chicken stock
1 leek, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
2 ribs celery, chopped
1 large baking potato, diced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups half and half
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon dried dill
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Coupons for serving

Directions

Cut the woody bottom half of the asparagus spears off and reserve the tops. Wash well. Place the woody stems in a soup pot along with the chicken stock. Simmer, covered, for 30 minutes. Drain and discard the stems. Return the broth to the soup pot. Add the chopped leeks, celery, garlic, and potato. Bring to a boil, lower heat, and simmer vegetables until soft, about 30 minutes.

Chop the top half of the asparagus stalks into 1-inch pieces and add the asparagus pieces to the soup pot. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cover the saucepan and allow vegetables to cook for 15 minutes.

Process these cooked vegetables and broth with an immersion hand blender in the soup pot,
Add the half and half, butter, dill, and lemon juice. Simmer for 5 minutes, then taste and add salt and pepper, if necessary.