Spring is in full swing and that means the season of asparagus has arrived again! This dainty vegetable, also known as white gold, is not only delicious to eat, but also offers numerous possibilities in the kitchen. One of the most popular dishes with asparagus is undoubtedly the classic asparagus soup. While it may seem intimidating to make this soup yourself, it is actually surprisingly easy and the result is a delicious, creamy delicacy that is perfect for a light spring or summer meal. In this article, we share a simple recipe for you to make your very own asparagus soup.
The ingredients
To make your own asparagus soup, you will need the following ingredients:
- 500 grams of white asparagus
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1 litre of vegetable stock
- 250 ml of cream
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley or chives for garnish
The preparation method
- Peel the asparagus: Start by peeling the asparagus to remove the tough outer layer. Peel them from just below the head down to the bottom. Then cut off the hard ends and discard them.
- Cut the asparagus: Cut the peeled asparagus into pieces about 2-3 centimetres long.
- Fry the onion and garlic: Heat the butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and fry until soft and glazy, but not brown.
- Add the asparagus: Add the sliced asparagus to the pan and fry for a few minutes with the onion and garlic.
- Add the stock: Pour the vegetable stock into the pan and bring to the boil. Then lower the heat and let the soup simmer gently until the asparagus is tender, this usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
- Puree the soup: Use a hand blender or blender to puree the soup smoothly to a creamy consistency. Make sure all pieces of asparagus are well incorporated.
- Add the cream: Pour the cream into the pan and stir well. Let the soup simmer gently for a few more minutes.
- Season to taste: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Spoon the asparagus soup into bowls and garnish with some fresh parsley or chives.
Tips and variations
- For an extra creamy texture, keep some of the asparagus pieces aside and add them back to the soup after pureeing.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to adjust the flavour of the soup to your liking. A pinch of nutmeg, for example, can be a delicious addition.
- If you like a more savoury flavour, you can also add some crumbled bacon to the soup.
- For a vegetarian version, you can replace the vegetable stock with vegetable stock.
Making your own asparagus soup is not only fun and satisfying, but it also allows you to enjoy the pure flavour of fresh asparagus in a deliciously creamy soup. With just a handful of ingredients and a little time and effort, you can prepare a delicious soup at home that is guaranteed to impress family and friends. So what are you waiting for? Head to the market, get some fresh asparagus and let your culinary creativity run wild!