Simple Asparagus Soup

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2/3 cup uncooked long grain brown rice
• 6 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• Reduced-fat sour cream, optional
• Salad croutons, optional