From Victoria's Kitchen

Chicken Asparagus Soup
I hope you enjoy this soup as it is very simple to make. What we need is some simple ingredients and this soup is great for a romantic night of two in the backyard when the candles are on and our kadbanoo brings it to the table with love. So let’s cook and make our home a peaceful and good smelling place…

What we need:
2 pound thin fresh asparagus
2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
1 large onion, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
1 medium carrot, chopped
2 teaspoons dried parsley, flakes
1 garlic clove, minced or one tea spoon of the powder
5 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cans of chicken broth Some sea salt
1 bay leaf for aroma
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
2 cups of heavy cream half and half is good also
Grinded or shaved parmesan cheese, optional for me is a must…
1 spoon tomato paste

How to make:
Some people use the canned asparagus that is already chopped and clean, I rather buy them raw, peel the ends of them, and then boil them in some hot water over medium heat and this way I am sure I am not adding extra sodium to my soup. When I cooked them I will put them on the side. Then in a large skillet, I will sauté my potatoes, onions and celeries and carrots, parsley and garlic in the vegetable oil. Stir in the broth, and salt and the tomato paste, then add the bay leaf and some black pepper if you like. My grandma liked to add in a cup of sweet peas, it is totally optional. I will add it just because I love sweet peas. Bring this mixture to boil, reduce heat and let it simmer and the ingredients to marry each other very well. Then discard the bay leaf and turn off the heat. Let it cool.

In a blender, cover and puree the soup in batches until smooth. Then return it back to the pot, add the asparagus and the 2 cups of chicken to the pot, reduce heat and let it cook gently, bring to boil and that is it, cook for 5 minutes like this. Pour in the soup dish and toss some parmesan cheese on top or chopped basil on top and bring it to the table. This will serve 5 people. I like to toast some sourdough bread and also bring some passion fruit juice in a big pitcher with ice to the table.

I hope you make this simple soup and enjoy it with your loved ones at home,

Love, Victoria