This creamy asparagus soup is a warm hug in a bowl! It’s made with fresh asparagus, onions, and a bit of cream, making it smooth and tasty.
Perfect for chilly days, I love to top it with some crunchy croutons for extra fun. Trust me, you’ll want seconds! 🥄
Making this soup is super simple—I just sauté the veggies, blend them up, and add cream. It’s a quick meal that’s both comforting and delicious!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus is key for flavor. If you can’t find it, you can use frozen asparagus, just add it directly to the pot without thawing.
Onion: A medium onion works well here, but you can substitute with shallots for a milder taste, or even green onions for a fresher flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth. If you’re out, garlic powder or roasted garlic can also add great flavor, but use less—about 1/4 teaspoon of powder.
Heavy cream: For a lighter option, use half-and-half or coconut milk. I prefer heavy cream for its rich texture, but these alternatives still taste great!
Broth: Vegetable broth makes it vegetarian, while chicken broth boosts the flavor. Homemade is best, but store-bought works perfectly in a pinch.
Dill or chives: Fresh herbs brighten the dish. If you don’t have these, parsley or thyme would be tasty substitutes.
How Can I Make Smooth Soup Without a Blender?
If you don’t have a blender, don’t worry! You can still get a creamy soup without one. After cooking the asparagus, use a potato masher to mash the vegetables right in the pot. This method adds texture and flavor, and it’s a more rustic style. Just make sure the asparagus is fully tender first!
- After simmering, let the soup cool for a few minutes to avoid burns.
- Use the potato masher to mash until you reach your desired consistency.
- Stir in the cream, heat again gently, and season as usual.
How to Make Cream of Asparagus Soup?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill or chives, for garnish
- Optional: lemon juice to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook. Total time is around 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and comforting dish to whip up for a cozy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick.
2. Add Garlic and Asparagus:
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot. Cook for an additional minute, stirring well so the garlic doesn’t brown. Now, add the asparagus pieces and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they soften slightly.
3. Simmer the Soup:
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender. This step helps develop all the flavors!
4. Blend the Soup:
Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for a bit. Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until it’s completely smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Just remember to hold the lid down tightly while blending!
5. Add Cream and Season:
Return the pureed soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. If you want a bit of brightness, add a splash of lemon juice at this stage.
6. Heat and Serve:
Warm the soup over low heat until it’s nice and hot, but be careful not to let it boil. Once it’s warmed through, it’s ready to serve! Spoon the soup into bowls, garnish with a swirl of cream, and sprinkle with fresh dill or chives. Enjoy your delightful bowl of cream of asparagus soup!
Can I Use Frozen Asparagus Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen asparagus, just add it directly to the pot without thawing. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as frozen vegetables might take a little longer to become tender.
Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
How to Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months; just avoid adding cream before freezing, as it can separate once thawed. Add the cream when you reheat it!
What Can I Serve with Cream of Asparagus Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a light salad. You can also serve it as a starter before a main course like grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal!
