Description
Savory Cream of Asparagus Soup weaves spring’s freshest flavors into a silky green melody of comfort. Delicate asparagus blends with rich cream, creating a luxurious bowl that transports you to French countryside kitchens.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 lb fresh asparagus (woody ends trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
Fats and Oils:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnish:
- Sour cream or yogurt swirl
- Croutons
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot and warm olive oil with butter over medium heat, creating a fragrant base for the soup.
- Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and release their aromatic essence, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate asparagus pieces into the pot, allowing them to dance and soften for 5 minutes while gently stirring to prevent sticking.
- Pour vegetable broth into the pot, raising the temperature until the liquid reaches a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the pot and let the asparagus tenderize in the broth for 15-20 minutes, ensuring the vegetables become perfectly soft and delicate.
- Transform the soup’s texture using an immersion blender, carefully purifying the mixture until a smooth, velvety consistency emerges. Alternatively, transfer small batches to a standard blender with cautious precision.
- Enrich the soup’s profile by introducing heavy cream and a whisper of nutmeg, allowing the flavors to harmonize through a brief 2-3 minute warm simmer.
- Conduct a final seasoning assessment, adjusting salt and pepper to elevate the soup’s overall taste experience.
- Elegantly ladle the creamy asparagus soup into serving bowls, embellishing with optional garnishes that complement its delicate nature.
- Present the soup alongside crusty bread or crisp crackers, inviting diners to enjoy the warm, comforting creation.
Notes
- Swap regular cream for coconut milk to create a dairy-free version that’s equally rich and creamy.
- Reserve some asparagus tips before blending to use as a beautiful, textural garnish that adds visual appeal and extra vegetable crunch.
- Enhance the soup’s depth by roasting asparagus and aromatics before blending, which will intensify the natural sweetness and create a more complex flavor profile.
- Boost protein content by stirring in a dollop of Greek yogurt or adding cooked, shredded chicken for a more substantial meal option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg