Asparagus Crab Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh asparagus , ends trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 8 ounces fresh or canned lump crab meat
• 1 medium onion , finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic , minced
• 2 stalks celery , finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, diced (optional, for subtle sweetness and color)
• Chicken broth 4 cups
• Heavy cream 1 cup
• Dry white wine (optional) 1/2 cup
• Salt – to taste, added gradually
• Freshly ground black pepper – about 1/2 teaspoon
• Fresh thyme leaves – 1 teaspoon, finely chopped
• Bay leaf – 1 whole leaf for simmering
• Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon, added at the end to brighten flavors