Creamy Asparagus Soup

Creamy Asparagus Soup Recipe from France | Vegetarian Soup | Ingredients: asparagus, olive oil, potatoes, lemon juice, black pepper

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Creamy asparagus soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any time of year. This soup is made with fresh asparagus, shallots, potatoes, and vegetable bouillon, creating a creamy and flavorful soup that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Asparagus has been enjoyed for centuries for its unique flavor and health benefits. Asparagus soup has been a popular dish in many cultures, with variations of the recipe being passed down through generations. This creamy version of asparagus soup has become a favorite for its rich and velvety texture.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) of trimmed asparagus spears
1.5 tbsp of olive oil
1.5 cup of finely chopped shallots (about 10)
0.5 lb (227 g) of boiling potatoes, peeled and cut into 0.5 inch cubes
2 vegetable bouillon cubes
1 tbsp of fresh lemon juice
Coarsely ground black pepper for garnish

How to prepare

1. Reserve 8 spears of asparagus for garnish. Cut the remaining asparagus stalks into 1-inch pieces.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add shallots and cook, stirring often, until they begin to brown, for 8 to 10 minutes. Add potatoes, cut-up asparagus, and 4 cups of water. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Add bouillon and 1 tsp of salt. Reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, until the potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in a wide, deep pot of lightly salted boiling water, blanch the reserved asparagus spears until they are just tender, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the spears to a colander, rinse them under cold running water, drain well, and set aside.
4. In a food processor or blender, process the soup in batches until it becomes smooth and creamy. Return it to the pot and add freshly ground pepper to taste and lemon juice. Adjust the salt to taste. Garnish with asparagus spears and ground black pepper. Serve hot.

Variations

Add a splash of cream or coconut milk for an even creamier texture.
Stir in some cooked chicken or shrimp for added protein.
Top the soup with crispy bacon or croutons for extra flavor and crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to trim the tough ends of the asparagus before using them in the soup.

- Blending the soup in batches will ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

- Adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.

- Garnish the soup with freshly ground black pepper and blanched asparagus spears for a beautiful presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve creamy asparagus soup with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Blanching the asparagus spears before adding them to the soup helps to retain their vibrant green color and crisp texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use leeks or onions instead of shallots for a similar flavor.

- Substitute chicken or vegetable broth for the vegetable bouillon cubes if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

Creamy asparagus soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a dollop of sour cream for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Creamy asparagus soup pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. It also goes well with a light and refreshing salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of creamy asparagus soup contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of creamy asparagus soup contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of creamy asparagus soup contains approximately 7 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of creamy asparagus soup contains approximately 4 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Asparagus is a great source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and potassium. This soup is packed with essential nutrients that are beneficial for your overall health.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten. However, if you have specific allergies, be sure to check the ingredients for any potential allergens.

Summary

Creamy asparagus soup is a nutritious and delicious dish that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for a light and satisfying meal.

Summary

Creamy asparagus soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its velvety texture and fresh flavors, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy a bowl of creamy asparagus soup today!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Creamy Asparagus Soup. It was a chilly autumn day, and I was leafing through an old cookbook that I had inherited from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, searching for inspiration for a new dish to try, I stumbled upon the page that held the key to unlocking the delicious flavors of this creamy, comforting soup.

The recipe was simple yet elegant, calling for just a few ingredients that I already had on hand. Asparagus, onions, garlic, chicken broth, and a touch of cream were all that was needed to create this delectable dish. I knew immediately that I had to give it a try.

I set to work in the kitchen, chopping the asparagus into bite-sized pieces and sautéing them with the onions and garlic until they were tender and fragrant. The smell that wafted through the kitchen was divine, promising a delicious meal to come.

Next, I added the chicken broth and let the soup simmer gently on the stove, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a rich, savory base. Finally, I stirred in a splash of cream, which added a luxurious creaminess to the soup that I knew would make it truly special.

As I ladled the soup into bowls and garnished it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, I couldn't wait to taste the fruits of my labor. I took a tentative spoonful, blowing on it gently to cool it down before bringing it to my lips. The first taste was pure bliss – the asparagus was tender and flavorful, the broth was rich and comforting, and the cream added a velvety smoothness that tied everything together perfectly.

I knew then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my cooking repertoire, a dish that I would turn to time and time again to warm the hearts and bellies of my loved ones. And sure enough, over the years, I have shared this recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of creamy asparagus soup to the next generation.

But the story of how I learned to make this soup goes beyond just following a recipe in a cookbook. I have always been passionate about cooking, and I have spent many hours in the kitchen experimenting with new flavors and techniques. I have learned from my own mistakes and successes, from watching cooking shows on TV, and from seeking out new recipes and inspiration wherever I can find it.

One of my fondest memories of learning to cook was when I spent a summer as a young girl with my Aunt Mary, who was an incredible cook. She taught me the importance of using fresh, seasonal ingredients and how to trust my instincts in the kitchen. It was during that summer that I learned to appreciate the simple yet profound pleasure of cooking for others and sharing a meal made with love.

As I grew older, I continued to seek out new recipes and techniques, always eager to expand my culinary horizons. I took cooking classes, read cookbooks voraciously, and watched cooking shows religiously. And with each new dish I mastered, I gained more confidence in my abilities as a cook.

So when I stumbled upon the recipe for Creamy Asparagus Soup that fateful autumn day, it felt like a culmination of all my years of cooking experience. It was a dish that combined the simplicity of fresh, seasonal ingredients with the richness of a well-made broth and the indulgent creaminess of a touch of cream. It was a dish that spoke to me on a deep, personal level, reminding me of all the joy and satisfaction that cooking has brought to my life.

And as I sit down to enjoy a steaming bowl of creamy asparagus soup, surrounded by the warmth and laughter of my family, I am filled with gratitude for all the lessons and memories that have brought me to this moment. Cooking is not just a necessity or a chore – it is a passion, a creative outlet, and a way to nourish both body and soul. And for that, I am truly thankful.