Creamy Asparagus Soup

1 1/2 lbs. asparagus, tough ends trimmed
3 cups Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 cups onion, diced
1 T. garlic, minced
1 T. lemon juice
1 cup cold water
1 1/2 T. cornstarch or arrowroot
1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
3 T. freshly chopped basil
1/2 t. sea salt
1/8 t. white pepper
1 cup soy milk, rice milk, or other non-dairy milk of choice
3 T. nutritional yeast flakes
Garnish: thin slices of lemon


Cut the tips off the asparagus, place them in a steamer basket,
steam them for 2-3 minutes or until tender, and set aside.

Thinly slice the stems diagonally, place them in a steamer
basket, steam them for 4-5 minutes or until tender, and set
aside.

Measure the water left over from steaming the asparagus, add
additional water to measure 7 cups, and place it in a large pot.

Add the potatoes, onion, garlic, and lemon juice, and bring to a
boil.

Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes or until
vegetables are tender.

In a blender or food processor, place the cold water and
cornstarch, and blend well to combine.

Strain the cooked vegetables from the broth, reserving the
cooking liquid, transfer the cooked vegetables to the food
processor, and return the cooking liquid to the pot.

Add the fresh herbs to the cooking liquid and stir well to
combine.

Add half of the reserved steamed asparagus stems to the food
processor and puree the mixture until smooth.

To the pot containing the herbed cooking liquid, add the pureed
mixture, reserved steamed tips and stems, and the remaining
ingredients, and stir well to combine.

Remove the pot from the heat and set the soup aside for 5
minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Taste and adjust seasonings, as needed. Serve hot or cold and
garnish individual servings with a thin slice of lemon.

Yield: 3 Quarts