Ingredients

  • 1/2 c. chopped onion
  • 1 c. sliced celery
  • 3 cloves garlic, pressed
  • 3 Tbsp. butter or margarine, melted
  • 2 (14.5 oz.) cans cut asparagus (undrained)
  • 1 (16 oz.) can sliced potatoes, drained*
  • 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can ready to serve chicken broth
  • 1 tsp. white vinegar
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. ground red pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. dried basil
  • 1 c. milk
  • 1/2 c. sour cream (optional)
  • celery leaves (garnish)

Method

  • Cook first 3 ingredients in butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until tender.
  • Stir in asparagus and next 7 ingredients.
  • Bring to a boil, stirring often. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes, stirring often.
  • Cool slightly. Pour half of mixture into container of an electric blender; process until smooth, stopping once to scrape down sides.
  • Transfer mixture to another container.
  • Repeat procedure.
  • Return asparagus mixture to Dutch oven.
  • Stir in milk; cook just until thoroughly heated (do not boil).
  • Dollop each serving with sour cream and garnish, if desired.
  • Yield:
  • 2 quarts.