Asparagus Soup

Important!
Don't be tempted to omit the final straining of the soup!
If you leave the bits of fibrous asparagus skin in the soup, they give it a very unpleasant texture.

Use a sieve with a medium mesh, not too coarse and not too fine: too coarse will let too much of the fibre through, too fine will make the job of straining too difficult.

Asparagus Soup Recipe Tips

1. Serve hot or chilled.
   As served in high-end restaurants or prepared by a master chef, heated or chilled asparagus soup is a savoury dish with subtle flavours.
   
   If you want to serve it chilled, let it cool, then refrigerate it uncovered until thoroughly cold, then cover with plastic wrap.
   You can keep it refrigerated for up to 2 days.
2. A richer version
   For the richest version of this recipe, use a full cup of thickened cream, produces an especially luscious and velvety soup.
3. A lighter version
   For a lighter soup with fewer calories, use the smaller amount of whipping cream or substitute light cream.
   If you're planning to use only ¼ cup of cream, cook the asparagus in 3 cups of water so that you'll have enough cooking water to add to the finished soup to achieve the right consistency.
4. Making Cream of Asparagus Soup Vegan
   To make this cream of asparagus soup vegan;
   1. Cook the asparagus in 3 cups of water, omitting the cream
   
   2. Use olive oil instead of butter to cook the spring onion.
   
   3. To to thicken the soup and get a good consistency, you will need to add a small amount of starch such as flour, cornstarch, or potato starch.
   Add the starches in a tablespoon at a time, stirring between additions until you've achieved your desired consistency.
   
   I prefer to use potato starch.

What To Eat With Asparagus Soup

Asparagus soup is delicious on its own, but it can also be even more enjoyable when paired with other dishes.

• Crusty Bread;
  Not only is crusty bread a classic pairing for soups of all kinds, but it’s especially delicious with creamy, full-bodied soups like asparagus soup.
  Slice up some multigrain or Italian bread and cook on a skillet with a bit of butter or olive oil until crispy.
  
  Or these breadsticks are another great option.
  
  Serve the warm bread at the side of your bowl of soup for a knockout combination.
• Baked Potato;
  A baked potato doesn’t just have to be an entrée — you can easily incorporate one into your soup meal by cutting into cubes and adding it to the bowl.
  Not only will the potato intensify the richness, but it will also Introduce more texture and taste to your soup in each spoonful.
  
  Sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for an extra bit of flavour!
• Bruschetta;
  Bruschetta makes for an excellent side in any type of meal, including asparagus soup!
  Simply top baguette slices with chopped tomatoes, diced olives, garlic, basil leaves and a drizzle of good quality olive oil before heating up in the oven and serving hot.
  
  This simple dish adds something special to every spoonful of your favourite asparagus soup recipe!
• Hot Buttered Scones;
  A side dish of plain scones buttered goes well with your Asparagus soup.
  Crunchy, fluffy, buttery scones takes overindulgence to the next level!
  
  Or enjoy the cheesy, buttery goodness of hot cheese scones beside a hearty serving of asparagus soup and find yourself transported in taste sensation overload!
• Leafy Green Salads;
  For added fiber, colour and nutrients while still keeping things light at lunchtime, pair your asparagus soup with leafy green salads like warm kale salad, which is great either warm or cold.
  
  crunchy spinach salad is another great pairing.
  The raw crunchiness against the luscious creaminess makes for great texture contrast.
• French Toast;
  If you want some more protein that won’t weigh you down later but still gives that feeling of fullness after lunchtime rolls around then yummy french toast could be exactly what your body needs!
  
  Try this alongside either hot or chilled asparagus soup served on hot summer days or cold winter nights, both are equally delicious ways to enjoy this zesty combination!
• Bacon Bits;
  Although traditionally considered unhealthy because most processed types are saturated fats-heavy (which lead to high cholesterol levels), bacon bits used sparingly make a real difference when paired up against lighter dishes such as soups.
  
  They provide an umami punch nobody can resist due their smoky saltiness explosion.
  Why not try them crumbled on top of your soup along with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

FAQ

How To Thicken Asparagus Soup

To thicken asparagus soup, add a small amount of starch such as flour, cornstarch, or potato starch.

Add the starches in a tablespoon at a time, stirring between additions until you've achieved your desired consistency.

You can also add cream to the soup while simmering, which will help thicken it and introduce richer flavour notes.

Can Asparagus Soup Be Frozen

Yes, asparagus soup can be frozen.

For the best results, allow the soup to cool completely and then freeze it in an airtight container and use it within a month, otherwise it will lose some of its flavour and quality.

To thaw when ready to eat, place the container of soup in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat and enjoy!

How Long Does Asparagus Soup Last In The Fridge

Asparagus soup can last in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Make sure to keep it stored in an airtight container and reheat it until it's hot before eating.

How Do I Reheat Asparagus Soup

Reheating soup safely is all about how quickly you do it.

When reheating asparagus soup, use the stovetop and on medium heat, and constantly stir until it's heated all the way through.

Or you can use the microwave by slowly stirring at one-minute intervals and testing the temperature before serving.

Why Is My Asparagus Soup Stringy

Stringy asparagus soup can often be caused by overcooking the asparagus, which causes it to break down and release more of its natural fibres that tend to thicken the soup.

Another culprit could be blending the soup for too long, which can create a strained texture instead of a smooth one.

To avoid this, blend until all large chunks are gone, but avoid over-blending.

Why Is My Asparagus Soup Bitter

To avoid a bitter tasting soup, use fresh asparagus and cook it until it is just tender.
Never overcook, as that will cause the pieces to break down and create an unpleasant texture and taste.

It also helps to add a touch of lemon juice or vinegar which will balance out any bitterness in the soup.