Creme d'Asperges

Quite possibly the easiest asparagus soup recipe in the world... And it's totally delicious, too :)

Around 500g green asparagus
1 large onion, chopped finely
3 tablespoons butter
4 - 5 cups of vegetable stock
1/2 cup creme fraiche, sour cream or heavy cream (depending on taste)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)

Cut or break the tips off of the asparagus in about 1 and a half inch sections. Reserve for garnish.

Cut the remaining stalks into 1/2 inch pieces. Cook the onion in two tablespoons of the butter over low heat until softened. Add asparagus pieces and season as desired with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring for five minutes. Then add the stock, cover and simmer until the asparagus is very tender (15 - 20 minutes).

While the soup simmers, cook the reserved tips in boiling water until just tender, then drain.

Remove the soup from the heat and puree until smooth, then return to the heat. Stir in the cream and add a little more stock if a thinner consistency is desired. Bring soup to the boil and whisk in the remaining tablespoon of butter.

Serving: Ladle into bowls and add lemon juice if desired. Garnish with asparagus tips.