Asparagus Soup - quick - (in the micro.)

When you've been away on a short hols and come back to find bits and pieces still in the veggie box - it's time to think of what you can do with them before actually chucking them out.  

I had a bunch of almost-gone asparagus, so I cut them down about halfway and made some soup with them - I didn't have any potatoes so used a quick roux instead ..... the soup was very tasty and very quick to make .....

Ingredients: - enough for two large bowls

1 bunch of Asparagus (snap them and just use the 'tender' pieces)

1 small white onion - peeled and chopped

1 clove of crushed garlic (if wanted)

1 bayleaf (if wanted)
about a tablespoon of Sunflower Oil and knob of butter

Vegetable stock - I used the little jellified cubes which are pretty good.

1 tbls. plain flour

1 tbls. butter

S&P

1. place the chopped onion, (garlic), oil & butter, into a microwaveable bowl and zap, covered, until the onion is just beginning to soften.

2. add the chopped asparagus and seasoning and some hot water - enough to cover well, and zap again for about 5 minutes.

3. add more liquid if necessary, throw in the 'stock cube' and zap until all the vegetables are well cooked through.

4. In a small bowl put your flour and butter and add enough of the hot soup stock to make into a smooth liquidy paste - stirring quickly -  and add back to the soup - you may need to use a sieve if it's still a little lumpy. Stir well, and cook for approx. another 5 mins.  Leave the soup to cool to 'blend' the flavours together.

5. Once cooled down - liquidise and adjust seasoning.