I absolutely adore springtime, and nothing celebrates it quite like a bowl of homemade cream of asparagus soup recipe. Its vibrant green hue and silky texture promise pure comfort, making it a truly rewarding dish.
Busy families, aspiring home chefs, and anyone seeking a delightful, nutritious meal will fall in love with its rich texture and vibrant taste. Transform simple asparagus into a gourmet experience, elevated by our special herb oil swirl. This time-honored classic, simplified for your modern kitchen, is a community favorite for good reason, perfect for easy dinner ideas.
What You’ll Need for Cream of Asparagus Soup
- Fresh Asparagus (1.5 lbs / 680g, tough ends snapped): The star, providing vibrant flavor. Select bright green, firm spears with tightly closed tips for best taste.
- Vegetable Broth (4 cups / 960ml): Liquid base; choose low-sodium for control. (Or chicken broth if that’s what you have on hand).
- Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half (1/2 cup / 120ml): For that signature silky, rich texture. (For a dairy-free cream of asparagus soup, use full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative).
- Onion (1 small, chopped): Aromatic base for depth.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds subtle warmth.
- Butter or Olive Oil (2 tbsp): For sautéing aromatics.
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper (to taste): Essential seasoning.
For the Herb Oil Swirl:
- Fresh Herbs (1/4 cup, e.g., parsley, chives, basil): For a bright, aromatic finish.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (3 tbsp): Base for infusing herb flavor.
- A pinch of salt.
Opt for organic asparagus and a high-quality vegetable broth for premium upgrades. While fresh is best, frozen asparagus can work in a pinch for a budget-friendly swap; just reduce simmer time slightly, making this a great meal prep recipe, and ensuring your cream of asparagus soup is always a hit.
Step-by-Step Method Made Simple
- Prep the Veggies (5 minutes): Snap the woody ends off your bright green asparagus. Chop the tender spears into 1-inch pieces. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
I often find myself snapping the asparagus directly into the pot to save on dishes, a little trick for quicker weeknight cleanups.
- Sauté Aromatics (5-7 minutes): Heat butter or olive oil in a large pot or a 10-inch Dutch oven. Add chopped onion; cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the Asparagus (10-15 minutes): Add chopped asparagus and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook until asparagus is very tender, 10-15 minutes. Essential for a smooth cream of asparagus soup.
- Blend to Perfection (2-3 minutes): Transfer hot soup to a blender (or use an immersion blender). Blend until smooth and creamy. Vent steam cautiously. If gritty, blend longer or sieve for ultimate silkiness.
- Finish and Season (2 minutes): Return blended cream of asparagus soup to pot. Stir in heavy cream; heat gently until warmed through. Do not boil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare Herb Oil Swirl (2 minutes): While the soup warms, combine fresh herbs, olive oil, and a pinch of salt in a small food processor or blender. Blend until a bright, aromatic green oil forms.
Perfect Occasions and Serving Inspiration
This cream of asparagus soup recipe is incredibly versatile, making it ideal for a light weeknight dinner, an elegant starter for special gatherings, or a comforting lunch. Its fresh taste is perfect for spring brunches.
Serve this delightful soup hot with a vibrant swirl of the homemade herb oil and your choice of croutons or fresh chives. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread, a simple green salad, or grilled chicken or fish for a complete, family-friendly meal.
Store any leftover cream of asparagus soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For easy meal prep, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring, or in the microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition & Everyday Wellness Benefits
Our cream of asparagus soup recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s a fantastic choice for everyday wellness. Asparagus is a nutrient powerhouse, making this soup a healthy recipe for dinner that supports overall balance and energy.
- Packed with essential vitamins A, C, and K.
- A good source of dietary fiber, which promotes digestive wellness.
- Naturally low in calories and fat, especially if you opt for lighter cream alternatives.
- An easy meal prep solution for busy families seeking nutritious, plant-forward options.
Why This Recipe Works for You
This cream of asparagus soup recipe is designed with your lifestyle in mind, proving that healthy eating can be both convenient and delicious. It helps you achieve amazing flavors without sacrificing your precious time or effort, making it perfect for quick meals.
- Quick and easy prep means more valuable time for your family dinners.
- Features budget-friendly ingredients, often readily available and on sale during spring.
- A highly flexible recipe, easily adaptable to various dietary needs and preferences.
- Delivers impressive gourmet flavor with minimal effort, ideal for any busy home cook.
Smart Upgrades and Adjustments
To elevate your cream of asparagus soup recipe, consider roasting the asparagus before adding it to the pot. This technique caramelizes the spears, imparting a deeper, nutty complexity to the finished soup.
For the herb oil, feel free to experiment with different fresh herb combinations like mint and parsley or basil and chives. A touch of white pepper or a dash of nutmeg can also beautifully enhance the soup’s overall flavor profile.
Diet Adaptations:
- Low-Carb: Confirm your vegetable broth is sugar-free.
- Vegan: Substitute with a plant-based cream, such as cashew cream or full-fat coconut milk.
- Diabetic-Friendly: Choose low-sodium broth and carefully monitor the quantity of cream used.
- Kid-Friendly: Keep seasonings mild and add fun toppings like goldfish crackers or small pasta for little ones.
Reader Q&A
Can I prepare cream of asparagus soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can easily make this cream of asparagus soup up to the blending stage a day or two beforehand. Store the unblended soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator, then simply blend and reheat just before you’re ready to serve for maximum freshness.
Is cream of asparagus soup good for meal prep?
Yes, it’s an excellent choice for meal prep recipes! I often make a double batch of this nourishing soup on Sundays, portioning it into individual containers for quick, healthy lunches throughout the week. The flavors actually deepen beautifully overnight.
What’s the best way to store leftover asparagus soup?
Store your leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Are there healthier substitutes for this creamy asparagus soup recipe?
For a lighter version, consider using skim milk or a plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) instead of heavy cream, and always opt for low-sodium vegetable broth. You can also reduce the butter by sautéing the aromatics in just olive oil for a healthier fat profile.
How do I make the Herb Oil Swirl for this recipe?
To create the vibrant Herb Oil Swirl, combine your favorite fresh herbs—like parsley, chives, or basil—with a good quality extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of salt in a small food processor or blender. Blend until it’s perfectly smooth and aromatic, ready to drizzle over your soup.
Can I use frozen asparagus for this soup?
Yes, you can certainly use frozen asparagus for this recipe. Just be sure to thaw it first, or add it directly to the simmering broth, but significantly reduce the cooking time. Frozen asparagus cooks much faster than fresh, usually needing only 5-7 minutes until tender.
Conclusion
Embrace the vibrant, fresh taste of spring with this incredibly easy and comforting cream of asparagus soup recipe. I find it’s the perfect simple yet elegant meal that truly nourishes my family and brightens any evening. Save this delightful recipe to your Pinterest board for quick meals all season long!
cream of asparagus soup recipe Herb Oil Swirl And Tips
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This recipe is for a vibrant green, silky cream of asparagus soup, elevated with a special herb oil swirl. It is a comforting and nutritious dish, simplified for modern kitchens and perfect for dinner.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs fresh asparagus, tough ends snapped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 0.5 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
- salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 0.25 cup fresh herbs (e.g., parsley, chives, basil)
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- a pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prep The Veggies: Snap the woody ends off the asparagus and chop the tender spears into 1-inch pieces. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Saute Aromatics: Heat butter or olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer The Asparagus: Add chopped asparagus and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook until asparagus is very tender, 10-15 minutes.
- Blend To Perfection: Transfer the hot soup to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until smooth and creamy. Vent steam cautiously.
- Finish And Season: Return the blended soup to the pot. Stir in heavy cream and heat gently until warmed through; do not boil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare Herb Oil Swirl: While the soup warms, combine fresh herbs, extra virgin olive oil, and a pinch of salt in a small food processor or blender. Blend until a bright, aromatic green oil forms.
Notes
For quicker cleanup, snap asparagus directly into the pot. Opt for organic asparagus and a high-quality vegetable broth for premium upgrades. If using frozen asparagus, reduce simmer time slightly. For a dairy-free soup, use full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. If the soup is gritty after blending, blend longer or sieve for ultimate silkiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (360 g)
- Calories: 320 calories
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: cream of asparagus soup, easy dinner, healthy soup, vegetarian, spring recipe, herb oil, quick meal, comfort food, meal prep