Asparagus soup is a creamy, velvety, and flavorful dish that highlights the fresh, earthy taste of asparagus. This perfect asparagus soup eecipe is a must-try if you love a rich, comforting bowl of soup that’s easy to prepare.
The combination of asparagus, butter, and sour cream creates an irresistible depth of flavor that will keep you coming back for more. Here’s how to make it perfectly every time.
1. Asparagus Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can chicken broth, divided
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 pinch ground black pepper
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Prepare the Asparagus: Start by trimming the tough ends off your asparagus and cutting them into 1-inch pieces. This makes them easier to cook and blend later.
Cook the Onion and Asparagus: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the asparagus and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, just to start softening them.
Add the Chicken Broth: Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth (save the remaining ½ cup for later) and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes or until the asparagus is tender and bright green.
Make the Roux: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and pepper. Slowly stir in the remaining chicken broth (the ½ cup) until it forms a smooth paste.
Blend the Soup: Once the asparagus is tender, use an immersion blender to blend the mixture until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer it in batches to a countertop blender. Be careful, as the soup will be hot.
Add Milk and Sour Cream: Pour in the milk, and stir in the sour cream until well combined. Let the soup simmer for another 5-7 minutes to heat through. This step creates a silky, creamy texture that makes the soup irresistible.
Finish with Lemon: For that final touch, stir in the fresh lemon juice. The bright citrus flavor enhances the overall taste and gives the soup a burst of freshness.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. You can garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill for extra flavor.
2. Tips for Perfect Asparagus Soup
Use Fresh Asparagus: For the best flavor, always opt for fresh asparagus. Fresh spears add a naturally sweet and grassy flavor that canned or frozen asparagus simply can’t replicate.
Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: The lemon juice adds a much-needed pop of acidity that brightens up the entire soup. You can also experiment with a touch of lemon zest for a more intense lemony aroma.
Control the Consistency: If you prefer a thinner soup, add more milk or chicken broth. For a heartier texture, reduce the amount of liquid or blend it less thoroughly.
3. Serving Suggestions
Perfect Pairings: This asparagus soup pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread or a warm, buttery grilled cheese sandwich. The crunchy bread complements the smooth, velvety texture of the soup, making for the ultimate comfort meal.
Add a Protein: If you’re looking to turn this into a complete meal, try serving it with a side of grilled chicken or crispy bacon. The savory elements will balance the freshness of the soup.
Garnish Ideas: Top the soup with crumbled goat cheese, a dollop of crème fraîche, or a few toasted nuts like almonds for added richness and texture.
4. How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
This asparagus soup is perfect for leftovers. You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavor actually improves after a day or two, as the ingredients meld together.
To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure it heats evenly. If the soup has thickened up too much in the fridge, you can add a little more chicken broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
This asparagus soup is one of my personal favorites because it’s simple, elegant, and packed with flavor. The combination of creamy sour cream and the bright acidity of lemon juice makes every spoonful absolutely delightful.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a rainy day or an impressive starter for a dinner party, this perfect asparagus soup recipe will never disappoint.
