Asparagus soup (zuppa di asparagi)

---------- Recipe via Meal-Master (tm) v8.02
  
       Title: ASPARAGUS SOUP (ZUPPA DI ASPARAGI)
  Categories: Italian, Soups/stews, Vegetables
       Yield: 6 servings
  
       2 tb Extra-virgin olive oil
       2    Cloves garlic, minced
       2 lb Asparagus, trimmed, peeled
            -and cut (1 inch pieces)
            Salt and pepper
       1 qt Chicken broth
       4    Eggs
     1/2 c  Freshly grated Parmesan or
            -pecorino cheese
       6 sl Italian bread, toasted
  
   Heat the oil and garlic in a soup pot until the garlic is golden. Add the
   asparagus and cook until they begin to color.  Season with salt and pepper.
   Add the broth and bring to a boil; reduce the heat and simmer for 15
   minutes, or until the asparagus is tender.
   
   Beat the eggs and cheese together.  When the asparagus is tender, reduce
   the heat so the soup is no longer simmering.  Very slowly ladle some of the
   hot soup into the beaten eggs, stirring continuously.  After adding about 2
   cups of the hot soup to the eggs, reverse the process and gradually stir
   the eggs mixture into the soup pot.  The soup must not boil or the eggs
   will scramble.  Heat until thickened.
   
   Put one slice of toasted bread into each soup dish.  Ladle the hot soup on
   top and pass additional grated cheese.
   
   Serves 6.
   
   NOTE:  To trim asparagus, hold the tip in one hand and the base of the
   stalk in the other.  Bend gently.  The asparagus will snap, leaving the
   tender part with the tip.
   
   [ "We Called It Macaroni"; Nancy Verde Barr; Knopf; ISBN 0-394-55798-0 ]
   
   Posted by Fred Peters.
  
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