Thai-Scented Asparagus Soup

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter or canola oil
• 3 pounds asparagus (after trimming an inch off the stalk)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups coconut milk
• 4 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 3 tablespoons finely minced lemongrass
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

1. Cut asparagus into 1/2-inch pieces.
2. Cook onion in 3 tablespoons butter or oil in a 6-8 quart heavy pot over moderately low heat, stirring until softened, about 10 minutes.
3. Add lemongrass and ginger and continue cooking until vegetables are soft, about 3 minutes.
4. Add asparagus pieces, salt and pepper, then cook over medium heat, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes.
5. Add coconut milk and 5 cups of broth. Simmer, covered, until asparagus is very tender, about 15 minutes.
6. Puree soup in batches in a blender or with a immersion blender until smooth, transferring to a bowl after blending if using a blender since you will need to do it in several batches (use caution when blending hot liquids) and return to pot. If the soup is too thick, add up to another cup of broth, and cook for about five minutes, or until the soup is warm.
7. Add lemon juice, and serve with a garnish of chives or cilantro. (Soup may be prepared a day in advance. If making ahead, add the lemon juice after reheating.)

onion, unsalted butter, black pepper, coconut milk, chicken, lemongrass, ginger, lemon juice

Taken from food52.com/recipes/17635-thai-scented-asparagus-soup (may not work)