Asparagus Soup: A Creamy and Flavorful Delight

Asparagus Soup is a light yet rich and creamy dish that highlights the unique flavor of fresh asparagus. Perfect for both spring and any season where comfort food is in order, this soup is a wonderful way to enjoy the bright and tender vegetable. The smooth, velvety texture, paired with subtle seasonings like thyme, lemon juice, and white wine, makes it an excellent choice for lunch, dinner, or as a starter to your meal.

This versatile soup can be adapted to your personal taste and dietary preferences, and it’s a great way to use fresh asparagus when it’s in season. Whether you serve it as a warm appetizer or as a satisfying meal, asparagus soup is sure to be a hit.

For more recipes featuring seasonal vegetables, check out these helpful links:

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Asparagus Soup Recipe: A Creamy and Flavorful Comfort Dish

Author: Jennifer Mitchell
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This creamy, flavorful Asparagus Soup is a perfect blend of fresh asparagus, rich creaminess, and delicate seasonings. The combination of onions, garlic, and white wine brings depth to the flavor, while the addition of lemon juice provides a refreshing brightness. Ideal as a starter or light main course, this soup is comforting and healthy.

Ingredients

Scale

1 teaspoon canola oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 5 cups)
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
2–1/2 cups fat-free milk, divided
2 tablespoons butter
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup half-and-half cream
2 tablespoons white wine
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Minced fresh chives (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics:
In a large pot, heat the canola oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
Cook the Asparagus:
Add the trimmed and chopped asparagus pieces to the pot. Stir to combine, and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the asparagus to begin softening.
Make the Roux:
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the asparagus mixture and stir to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Add Liquids:
Gradually add the chicken broth and 1-1/2 cups of fat-free milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook for about 10-15 minutes, until the asparagus is tender.
Blend the Soup:
Once the asparagus is tender, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth. Return the blended soup to the pot.
Finish the Soup:
In a separate small bowl, whisk the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour with the remaining 1 cup of fat-free milk to create a slurry. Slowly pour this mixture into the blended soup, stirring constantly to thicken. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add Butter and Seasonings:
Stir in the butter, salt, thyme, and pepper. Once the butter has melted and the soup is well-seasoned, add the half-and-half cream, white wine, and lemon juice. Stir well to combine, then let the soup simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh minced chives if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

For a vegan version, substitute the butter with olive oil, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and omit the half-and-half cream or use a plant-based cream alternative.

The soup can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Simply reheat before serving.

You can adjust the consistency of the soup by adding more or less milk depending on your preference. For a thicker soup, use less milk or let it simmer longer.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup, Starter
Method: Stovetop, Blending
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1-1/2 cups
Calories: 140
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 640mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Asparagus Soup Recipe

Instructions:

Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a large pot, heat the canola oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Cook the Asparagus: Add the chopped asparagus to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps to slightly tenderize the asparagus before adding the broth.
Make the Roux: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the asparagus and onion mixture. Stir to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add the Milk and Seasonings: Add 2 cups of fat-free milk to the pot, followed by salt, thyme, and pepper. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the asparagus is fully tender.
Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. If using a regular blender, be sure to let the soup cool slightly before blending, and work in batches to avoid spills.
Finish the Soup: Return the soup to the pot and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour, whisking to combine. Add the remaining 1/2 cup of fat-free milk and cook over low heat until the soup thickens. Stir in the butter, half-and-half, white wine, and lemon juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning, if necessary.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with minced fresh chives if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Advanced Techniques for Enhanced Flavor

While the basic recipe for Asparagus Soup is delicious on its own, here are some advanced techniques to elevate the flavor and texture of your dish:

Roast the Asparagus First

For a deeper, more concentrated asparagus flavor, try roasting the asparagus before adding it to the soup. Toss the asparagus pieces with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes until they are tender and slightly caramelized. This will give your soup a richer taste and add more depth to the flavor.

Add Fresh Herbs

For an added layer of freshness, try incorporating fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or dill to complement the asparagus. Add them towards the end of cooking or blend them in with the soup for an extra burst of flavor.

Enhance the Creaminess

If you want a thicker, creamier texture, add a small amount of potato or cauliflower while simmering the soup. Once tender, blend the vegetable into the soup for a velvety consistency without adding too much fat.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Asparagus Soup is an easy dish to make ahead, and it keeps well in the fridge for a few days.

How to Store:

Refrigeration: Let the soup cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze Asparagus Soup for up to 3 months. However, keep in mind that the texture may change slightly when reheating, especially if you used milk or cream in the recipe. When ready to reheat, let the soup thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.

Reheating Tips:

Reheat the soup gently over low heat on the stovetop. If it’s become too thick after storing, add a little extra milk or chicken broth to restore the desired consistency. Be sure to stir it occasionally to prevent the soup from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Asparagus Soup can easily be adapted for various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

Dairy-Free Version:

For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative, and use coconut milk or almond milk instead of regular milk and half-and-half. You can also use a dairy-free cream substitute in place of half-and-half.

Low-Sodium Version:

To make the soup lower in sodium, use a low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth. You can also reduce or omit the added salt and rely on the other seasonings to bring flavor.

Vegan Version:

To make the soup fully vegan, use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth, and replace the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter. The half-and-half can be substituted with coconut cream or another plant-based cream.

Gluten-Free Version:

The soup can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the soup. Be sure to check your broth and any other ingredients for hidden gluten.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I make Asparagus Soup ahead of time?

Yes, Asparagus Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

Can I use frozen asparagus instead of fresh?

While fresh asparagus is recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen asparagus in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding it to the soup.

How do I make the soup creamier?

If you’d like an even creamier soup, you can add more half-and-half or blend in a small amount of cooked potato or cauliflower to thicken it without sacrificing texture.

Can I serve Asparagus Soup cold?

Yes! Asparagus Soup can be served cold as a refreshing summer soup. Let the soup cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Asparagus Soup is a wonderfully creamy and flavorful dish that highlights the fresh, vibrant taste of asparagus. Whether served hot or cold, this soup is versatile and can be adapted to fit a variety of dietary preferences. It’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals and makes for a light yet satisfying meal or appetizer.

With a few easy steps, you can create a smooth, velvety soup that will impress your guests or simply provide a comforting meal at home. So grab some fresh asparagus, and enjoy this delicious soup at your next dinner!

SEO Title:

Focus Keyphrase:

Slug: X

Meta Description: