This Cream of Asparagus Soup is a smooth, velvety, and flavorful soup that celebrates the fresh taste of asparagus. It’s a perfect starter for a spring meal or a light and satisfying lunch. The addition of lemon juice and feta cheese adds a bright and tangy finish to this creamy delight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh and Flavorful: The soup highlights the natural sweetness and delicate flavor of asparagus.
- Creamy and Smooth: Blending the soup creates a velvety texture that’s incredibly satisfying.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and comes together quickly.
- Versatile: You can customize this soup with different garnishes and toppings.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Cream of Asparagus Soup:
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons, adds richness and flavor.
- Sweet Onion: 1, diced, provides a sweet and savory base.
- Garlic Cloves: 3, minced, adds a pungent and savory flavor.
- Kosher Salt and Pepper: To taste, enhances the flavors of the soup.
- Asparagus Spears: 2 pounds, cut into pieces with stems removed, provides the main flavor and texture.
- Dried Dill: ½ teaspoon, adds a subtle herbaceous flavor.
- Vegetable or Chicken Stock: 3 cups, provides a flavorful liquid base.
- Heavy Cream: ½ cup, plus more for drizzling, adds richness and creaminess.
- Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons, adds brightness and acidity.
- Crumbled Feta Cheese: For garnish, adds a salty and tangy finish.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Cream of Asparagus Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Asparagus
- Heat the butter in a large pot over medium-low heat.
- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Cook until the onions are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the asparagus pieces and dried dill.
- Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Simmer the Soup
- Add the vegetable or chicken stock to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cook until the asparagus is tender, about 10-15 minutes.
Step 3: Blend the Soup
- Carefully transfer the soup mixture to a blender (or use an immersion blender).
- Blend until smooth and pureed.
- Pour the blended soup back into the pot.
- Heat the soup over low heat.
Step 4: Finish the Soup
- Stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice.
- Taste and season with more salt and pepper if necessary.
Step 5: Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Drizzle with a few drops of heavy cream.
- Garnish with crumbled feta cheese.
- You can also top with the tip of an asparagus spear.
- Serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use fresh asparagus: Fresh asparagus will have the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcook the asparagus: Overcooked asparagus can become mushy and lose its bright green color.
- Blend the soup until very smooth: A high-powered blender or immersion blender will create the smoothest texture.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste the soup and add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
- Garnish creatively: Feel free to use other garnishes, such as fresh herbs, croutons, or a swirl of olive oil.
How to Serve
- Starter: Serve this soup as a starter for a spring meal.
- Lunch: Enjoy it as a light and satisfying lunch.
- Light Dinner: Pair it with a side salad or crusty bread for a light dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Make Ahead
- You can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Storing Leftovers
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
- Reheat the soup gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of stock?
- Yes, you can use vegetable, chicken, or even fish stock.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
- Yes, you can use milk, but the soup will be less creamy.
Can I make this soup vegan?
- Yes, use a plant-based butter or olive oil, vegetable stock, and omit the heavy cream or use a plant-based cream alternative.
Can I freeze this soup?
- Yes, you can freeze the soup, but the texture may change slightly after thawing.
Cream of Asparagus Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soups, Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop and Blending
- Cuisine: American/European
Description
This Cream of Asparagus Soup is a smooth and velvety soup that highlights the fresh, vibrant flavor of asparagus. With a touch of dill and lemon, it’s a perfect spring appetizer or a light, comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 sweet onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste
- 2 pounds asparagus spears, cut into pieces with woody stems removed
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken stock
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, plus more for drizzling
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Crumbled feta cheese, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add onions, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Asparagus and Dill: Stir in asparagus pieces and dried dill. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add Stock and Simmer: Add vegetable or chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until asparagus is tender, about 10-15 minutes.
- Blend: Carefully transfer the soup mixture to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until smooth.
- Return to Pot: Pour the blended soup back into the pot and heat over low heat.
- Add Cream and Lemon: Stir in heavy cream and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle soup into bowls. Drizzle with a few drops of cream and top with a small asparagus spear (optional). Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese for garnish, if desired.
Notes
- Use vegetable stock for a vegetarian version.
- Fresh dill can be used in place of dried dill (use about 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill).
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your taste.
- For a thicker soup, simmer for a few minutes longer after blending.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 60mg