Asparagus and Potato Soup

As we near the end of October, the days are getting cooler and a warm bowl of soup is most welcome on these chilly nights.  With just 7 more soups to go during our 5th Annual October Soup Month, we have a great recipe for you today.

For day 24 of Soup Month 2014 we made a creamy Asparagus and Potato Soup that makes a great meatless meal or a delicious side dish in place of a vegetable or potato dish.  We served this soup with a simple baked chicken and it made the perfect side dish.

This hearty soup got rave reviews from the family and even our picky eater gave it a thumbs up.  Using the two varieties of potatoes gave this soup a nice texture and the tender asparagus was delicious.  The addition of a sharp white cheddar cheese gives the soup a smooth cheesy texture with just a hint of that sharp cheese flavor.  As a final touch we dusted a bit of smoked paprika on top and the light smoky flavor combined well with the soup.  This soup was easy to make and was ready to serve in about 20 minutes, so it's ideal for a weeknight meal.  Enjoy!!

1/2 cup  Minced White Onion
1 TB  Canola Oil
2 TB  Flour
1-1/4 lbs  Asparagus Spears, hard ends cut off, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cups  Milk
2 cups  Chicken Broth
3 medium  Red Potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
3 medium  Yukon Gold Potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 tsp  Salt
1/8 tsp  Cayenne Pepper
3/4 cup  Shredded Extra Sharp White Cheddar Cheese
Smoked Paprika for Garnish, optional

In a large soup pot coon the onion in canola oil until softened.  Sprinkle the flour over the onion and stir to coat.  Add the asparagus, milk, broth, potatoes, salt and cayenne pepper and stir.

Cook until the broth comes to a low boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low.  Simmer, covered, for about 12 minutes or until the vegetables are just tender, stirring occasionally.  Add the cheese and stir until melted.  Ladle into soup bowls and garnish with smoked paprika, if desired.  Makes about 6 main course servings.