Description
Creamy Pioneer Woman Asparagus Soup brings springtime comfort to kitchen tables with its silky texture and rich flavor profile. Green asparagus mingles with delicate herbs and cream, creating a luxurious soup perfect for welcoming warmer days.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Vegetables:
- 1 pound (454 grams) fresh asparagus
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons (23 grams) all-purpose flour
Liquids and Finishing Ingredients:
- 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
- Lemon zest, for garnish
Instructions
- Meticulously rinse fresh asparagus under cold running water, eliminating any dirt or debris. Slice off the tough, woody bottom sections approximately 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 centimeters) from the base, ensuring smooth, tender stalks.
- Dice the onion into uniform small cubes, creating consistent texture and even flavor distribution. Mince garlic cloves into fine, delicate pieces to maximize aromatic intensity.
- Select a large, heavy-bottomed stockpot and melt unsalted butter over medium heat until it transforms into a golden, bubbling liquid. Introduce diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and softened, approximately 4 to 5 minutes.
- Incorporate minced garlic into the butter-onion mixture, seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir continuously for 30 to 45 seconds to prevent garlic from burning and release its robust flavor profile.
- Evenly sprinkle all-purpose flour over the aromatic base, whisking constantly to create a smooth, lump-free roux. Continue stirring for 2 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste and develop a rich, golden undertone.
- Gradually stream chicken or vegetable broth into the pot, maintaining constant motion to ensure seamless integration. Add chopped asparagus pieces, stirring gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Elevate heat to generate a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Allow the soup to cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, until asparagus becomes exceptionally tender and begins to break down.
- Utilize an immersion blender to transform the mixture into a velvety, uniform consistency. If using a standard blender, carefully transfer soup in batches, ensuring to release steam to prevent potential pressure buildup.
- Pour heavy cream into the blended soup, stirring gently to create a luxurious, silky texture. Taste and adjust seasoning, introducing additional salt and pepper as needed to enhance overall flavor complexity.
- Garnish each serving with delicate lemon zest and a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and presenting a vibrant, appetizing appearance.
Notes
- Spring brings peak asparagus season, making this soup a fresh, local market delight.
- Transforms humble ingredients into a luxurious, restaurant-worthy dining experience.
- Blending creates ultra-smooth texture, eliminating any stringy asparagus concerns.
- Immersion blender ensures quick preparation and minimal kitchen cleanup.
- Versatile dish equally impressive as starter or light main course with endless customization options.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg