Quick and Hearty Asparagus Soup Recipe

Cut the asparagus spears into bite-size pieces; set the tips aside. Divide the spear pieces into two separate microwave-safe containers. Place 1/2 tablespoon butter in each bowl. Loosely cover both containers and place in the microwave oven; cook on High until the asparagus is completely soft 15 to 20 minutes.

While the asparagus steams melt 1/2 cup butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat; cook the onion and garlic in the butter until soft about 5 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour and stir briskly for 1 minute. Add the chicken soup milk hot pepper sauce salt pepper liquid smoke and the steamed asparagus stalks; cook until heated through 7 to 10 minutes.

Pour about 3/4 of the soup into a blender in batches filling the pitcher no more than halfway full. Hold down the lid of the blender with a folded kitchen towel and carefully start the blender using a few quick pulses to get the soup moving before leaving it on to puree. Puree until smooth and pour into a clean pot. Add the remaining 1/4 of the soup into the pureed soup; stir in the asparagus spears. Cook until thoroughly reheated about 5 minutes.