Creamy asparagus soup with lemon
Spring is here and it's the perfect time to indulge in seasonal recipes that celebrate the beauty of nature all around us. One of our favorite spring recipes is the creamy asparagus soup with lemon - a delicious and healthy way to enjoy the fresh taste of asparagus. This recipe is easy to make, comforting, and oh-so-delicious. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of making this beautiful soup.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Step 1 - Prep the Asparagus
Start by preparing the asparagus. Wash and trim the hard ends of the asparagus stalks. Cut the asparagus into 1-inch pieces and set them aside.
Step 2 - Saute the Onion and Garlic
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and saute until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This will take around 5-7 minutes.
Step 3 - Add the Asparagus
Add the chopped asparagus to the pan and stir to combine with the onion and garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the asparagus is tender.
Step 4 - Add the Broth
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it is boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for around 10 minutes.
Step 5 - Blend the Soup
Using a blender or an immersion blender, puree the soup until it is smooth and creamy. Be careful when blending hot soup, as it can splash and burn you. You can also use a food processor if you don't have a blender, but it may take longer.
Step 6 - Add the Heavy Cream
Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Cook the soup for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through.
Step 7 - Add Lemon Juice
Add fresh-squeezed lemon juice to the soup and stir well to combine. This will add a bright and refreshing touch to the creamy soup.
Step 8 - Season the Soup
Taste the soup and add salt and pepper to your liking. If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, you can add more juice.
Step 9 - Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the creamy asparagus soup into bowls and garnish with a lemon wedge or fresh herbs like parsley or chives. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt to balance the creamy texture of the soup.
Variations:
- For a vegan version, replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream.
- You can also add other vegetables like spinach, peas, or potatoes to the soup for extra texture and flavor.
- To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free chicken or vegetable broth.
Conclusion:
Creamy asparagus soup with lemon is a healthy and delicious recipe that celebrates the freshness of spring. By following the easy steps in this article, you can make a beautiful soup that will delight your taste buds and nourish your body. Whether you're following a vegan or gluten-free diet, this recipe can easily be adapted to your needs. So go ahead and try it out - we're sure you'll love it!