Description
A creamy and vibrant Asparagus Soup made with fresh asparagus, shallots, garlic, and vegetable broth, finished with a touch of lemon juice and optional garnishes like shaved Parmesan and fresh dill. This comforting soup is perfect as a light lunch or elegant starter, offering a smooth texture and fresh spring flavors.
Ingredients
Sauté Base
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ⅓ cup chopped shallot
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces (reserve a few tips for garnish)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Broth and Seasoning
- 3 cups low sodium vegetable broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Shaved Parmesan cheese
- Fresh dill
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Heat fats: Heat the butter and olive oil in a Dutch oven or other heavy pot over medium heat until melted and combined.
- Sauté shallots and asparagus: Add the chopped shallot and cut asparagus (reserving some asparagus tips if desired for garnish) to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 7-8 minutes until the shallots soften and asparagus begins to tenderize.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to release aroma without burning.
- Add broth and seasoning: Pour in the low sodium vegetable broth, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes until asparagus is very tender when pierced with a fork.
- Blend soup: Let the soup cool slightly. Transfer it to a countertop blender. Remove the center piece of the blender lid and cover the opening with a kitchen towel. Puree the soup starting on low speed and gradually increasing to high until very smooth. Stir in fresh lemon juice to taste.
- Serve: Serve the soup hot, garnished with shaved Parmesan, freshly ground black pepper, fresh dill, and the reserved asparagus tips for a beautiful presentation.
Notes
- Reserving asparagus tips for garnish adds a nice textural contrast and visual appeal.
- Adjust lemon juice to your preferred brightness level; it enhances the freshness of the soup.
- This soup can be made dairy-free by omitting the butter and Parmesan cheese garnish.
- Use low sodium broth to better control the saltiness of the soup.
- Allow the soup to cool slightly before blending to avoid pressure build-up and potential splattering from hot liquid.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
