Cream of Asparagus Soup is a velvety, smooth, and flavorful dish that celebrates the fresh, earthy taste of asparagus. Perfect for a light lunch, dinner starter, or cozy meal, this soup is both elegant and simple to prepare.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Fresh and Healthy:ย Loaded with the nutritional benefits of asparagus, this soup is as nourishing as it is delicious.
- Quick to Make:ย Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
- Creamy Without Being Heavy:ย The balance of cream and broth provides a luscious texture without being overly rich.
- Customizable:ย Easily adapt to dietary preferences or add your own twist.
- Great Year-Round:ย Perfect for spring asparagus season but can be made any time with fresh or frozen asparagus.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh asparagus, trimmed and chopped
- Onion, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Butter or olive oil
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Heavy cream or half-and-half
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: croutons, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of cream
Directions
- Heat butter or olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sautรฉ onion and garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3โ5 minutes.
- Add the chopped asparagus to the pot and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the asparagus is tender, about 10โ15 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or carefully transfer it to a blender in batches.
- Stir in the cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Reheat gently if needed, but do not let the soup boil after adding the cream.
- Serve warm, garnished with your choice of toppings.
Servings and Timing
- Servings:ย 4โ6 servings
- Prep Time:ย 10 minutes
- Cook Time:ย 20 minutes
- Total Time:ย 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegan Option:ย Replace butter with olive oil and use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.
- Add Protein:ย Top with grilled chicken, crumbled bacon, or poached eggs for a heartier meal.
- Cheesy Twist:ย Stir in grated Parmesan or Gruyรจre for a rich, cheesy flavor.
- Herbal Infusion:ย Add fresh herbs like dill, thyme, or parsley for an aromatic touch.
- Chunky Style:ย Reserve a few asparagus tips and stir them into the pureed soup for added texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage:ย Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3โ4 days.
- Reheating:ย Warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Stir occasionally to prevent the cream from curdling.
- Freezing:ย Freeze the soup before adding the cream for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and stir in cream after reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen asparagus for this soup?
Yes, frozen asparagus works well. Thaw it first for the best results.
2. Can I skip the cream?
Yes, you can omit the cream or replace it with a dairy-free alternative for a lighter version.
3. How can I make the soup thicker?
Add a small, peeled potato during cooking and puree it with the soup for added thickness.
4. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! It reheats well and flavors deepen after sitting overnight.
5. What should I serve with cream of asparagus soup?
Crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or a grilled cheese sandwich pair wonderfully with this soup.
6. Can I use white asparagus instead of green?
Yes, white asparagus can be used, but it has a slightly milder flavor.
7. Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your broth is gluten-free, this soup contains no gluten.
8. Can I add other vegetables?
Certainly! Leeks, spinach, or peas make great additions to this soup.
9. How do I prevent the soup from curdling?
Avoid boiling the soup after adding the cream and stir continuously while reheating.
10. Can I make this soup spicy?
Yes, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
Conclusion
Cream of Asparagus Soup is a simple yet sophisticated dish thatโs perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it as a comforting solo meal or serve it as an elegant appetizer, its fresh flavor and creamy texture will win you over. With easy customizations and a quick preparation time, this recipe is a must-try for asparagus lovers.
PrintCream of Asparagus Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cream of Asparagus Soup is a silky and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy meal. Made with tender asparagus, creamy broth, and subtle seasonings, it’s both comforting and nourishing. Itโs quick to prepare and works wonderfully as a starter or a light main dish.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound (450g) fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 cups (720ml) vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for a touch of warmth)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
- Sautรฉ Vegetables:
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sautรฉ until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. - Cook the Asparagus:
Add the asparagus pieces to the pot and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. - Simmer the Soup:
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 15โ20 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender. - Blend Until Smooth:
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend carefully. Return the soup to the pot. - Add Cream and Seasonings:
Stir in the heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Heat gently until warmed through but do not boil. Adjust the seasoning as needed. - Finish and Serve:
Stir in the lemon juice for a fresh touch, if desired. Serve hot, garnished with a drizzle of cream or a few reserved asparagus tips for presentation.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with olive oil and the cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
- Garnish with croutons or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- You can reserve a few asparagus tips before blending for a decorative topping.
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