Asparagus makes a deliciously rich and creamy soup that pairs well with whole-grain crackers or hearty, crusty bread for an incredibly satisfying meal.
2 tablespoons Earth Balance Butter
1 large leek, white and light green parts only, sliced thin
1 large garlic clove, minced
4 cups Not Chick'n Chicken Broth
3 cups medium asparagus, trimmed,* and cut into 1-inch pieces
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 cup non-dairy milk
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Heat the butter over medium heat in a dutch oven or a large saucepan. Add the leeks and cook, continually stirring until soft, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic, and stir until fragrant, about a minute. Add the broth, asparagus, and basil. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until the asparagus is tender about 15 minutes.
Pull out a few pieces of asparagus and place them in ice water to preserve their color and use as a garnish if desired.
Remove the soup from the heat and stir in the milk and lemon juice. Using an Immersion Hand Blender 
If you don't have an immersion blender, puree the soup in batches by ladling small amounts at a time into a Blender
*Be sure to remove the woody root ends of the asparagus before cooking; take the end of the asparagus between your thumb and forefinger and bend it until it breaks. The asparagus will automatically break where the woody part ends, and the fresh, tender asparagus begins.
