CHAPTER V

SOUPS WITHOUT MEAT

34.—ASPARAGUS SOUP

When fresh asparagus is served as a vegetable, cook the tough ends in the same water, which should be lightly salted. Press through a sieve, add the water, and for each three cups add one-half teaspoon of onion juice and one cup of hot milk. Thicken with one tablespoon of butter and two tablespoons of flour blended together. Add pepper, and salt if necessary.

35.—PURÉE OF BLACK BEANS

1 cup black beans¼ teaspoon mustard
1 quart cold water1 tablespoon bacon fat
1 slice bacon1 tablespoon flour
½ onion1 hard-cooked egg
1 teaspoon saltLemon slices
½ teaspoon paprika

Soak beans over night in cold water; drain; add one quart of water, bacon, and onion, and cook three hours or until beans are soft, replacing water which cooks away; press through a sieve; add seasonings, and thicken with bacon fat and flour blended together. Serve with a thin slice of egg and lemon in each plate. Corned beef stock is an excellent substitute for water, but if it is used salt should be omitted.

36.—BAKED BEAN SOUP

2 cups cold baked beans2 tablespoons flour
1½ cups tomatoes½ teaspoon salt
2 slices onion1/8 teaspoon pepper
4 cups cold water1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
1 tablespoon butter

Simmer beans, tomatoes, onion, and water for half an hour, and press through a sieve; thicken with butter and flour blended together; add seasonings, and serve with fried croutons.