Sweet & Savory Ina Garten Cream of Asparagus Soup Recipe

Creamy asparagus soup whisks springtime’s verdant bounty into a luxurious liquid masterpiece.

Green stalks dance with culinary elegance, transforming simple ingredients into a silky symphony of flavors.

Each spoonful carries earthy whispers of seasonal freshness, melding subtle herbaceous notes with rich, velvety textures.

Professional kitchens and home cooks alike celebrate this sublime preparation that elevates humble vegetables into a gourmet experience.

Delicate yet robust, the soup captures the essence of spring’s gentle awakening on your palate.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction, turning ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary performance.

Let this recipe be your gateway to a memorable gastronomic adventure that celebrates nature’s green gifts.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 4

What Goes into Ina Garten’s Cream of Asparagus Soup

• Butter: Select high-quality, unsalted butter for pure, clean flavor and better control of seasoning.
• Garlic: Choose fresh, firm garlic cloves with tight, unblemished skin for maximum aromatic intensity.

• Asparagus: Pick bright green, firm stalks with tight tips, avoiding woody or limp specimens.

• Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium varieties to manage salt levels and enhance natural ingredient flavors.
• Heavy Cream: Select fresh, full-fat cream for luxurious texture and rich, velvety mouthfeel.

• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Use freshly ground pepper and kosher salt for clean, vibrant seasoning.
• Chives, Dill: Select bright green, crisp herbs with no wilting for maximum visual appeal and fresh flavor.

Tools to Make Creamy Asparagus Soup Like Ina

• Large Pot: Essential for sautéing and simmering the asparagus.
• Cutting Board: Needed for preparing and chopping garlic and asparagus.
• Chef's Knife: Perfect for mincing garlic and chopping asparagus.
• Measuring Cups: Help measure broth and cream accurately.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and preventing ingredients from sticking.
• Blender or Immersion Blender: Crucial for creating a smooth, creamy texture.
• Ladle: Helps serve the soup neatly into bowls.
• Small Bowls: Useful for holding garnishes like chives and dill.

Cooking Ina Garten’s Asparagus Soup at Home

• Launch Flavor Foundation

Warm a spacious pot over medium heat. Melt butter smoothly and dance minced garlic around the pan until its rich aroma fills your kitchen. Stir constantly to prevent burning.

• Transform Asparagus

Drop fresh asparagus into the buttery landscape. Season generously with salt and pepper. Toss vegetables to coat completely, creating a glossy green canvas. Cook until asparagus softens and develops gentle golden edges.

• Create Liquid Magic

Pour chicken broth gently over asparagus, submerging vegetables partially. Allow mixture to simmer quietly, covered, transforming ingredients into a harmonious blend. Wait until asparagus becomes tender yet retains its vibrant character.

• Craft Silky Texture

Transfer steaming mixture into blender. Blend thoroughly until soup reaches luxurious, velvety consistency. Release steam carefully to prevent unexpected splatters.

• Elevate with Richness

Return blended soup to pot. Swirl heavy cream into liquid, creating a smooth, elegant finish. Warm gently and taste, adjusting seasoning to personal preference.

• Present with Flair

Ladle soup into beautiful bowls. Dot surface with cream swirls and sprinkle delicate chives and dill. Serve immediately, celebrating your culinary creation.

Expert Touches to Enhance Ina’s Asparagus Soup

Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a completely vegetarian version. Seafood lovers can add a splash of clam juice for extra depth.

Toss in a handful of spinach or kale during blending to increase nutrient content and create a more complex green color. Chia seeds or hemp hearts work wonderfully for added protein.

Create crunchy contrasts by topping with toasted almond slivers, crispy pancetta bits, or homemade croutons. These add delightful textural dimensions to the smooth soup.

Experiment with mild heat by stirring in a pinch of smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce. Roast fresh jalapeños for a smoky, spicy kick that elevates the entire dish.

Serving Suggestions for Ina’s Spring Soup

• Elevate Soup Presentation: Create an elegant tablescape with crisp white linens and simple ceramic bowls to showcase the vibrant green asparagus soup.
• Pair with Crusty Companions: Serve alongside toasted sourdough or rustic whole grain bread to add delightful texture and help soak up every delicious spoonful.
• Wine Complement Selection: Choose a crisp sauvignon blanc or light pinot grigio that will enhance the delicate asparagus flavor and provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup.
• Seasonal Side Salad: Toss a quick mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to add brightness and fresh crunch that balances the rich, smooth soup perfectly.

Storing and Reheating Ina’s Asparagus Soup

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Prepare multiple servings of this asparagus soup and store in airtight containers for quick weekday meals. Portion out 1-2 cup servings for easy grab-and-go lunches.
• Refrigerator Revival: Store the soup in sealed containers for up to 4 days. Keep cream-based soups at consistent cold temperatures between 35-40°F to maintain optimal flavor and safety.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Freeze soup without the cream for best texture. Pour into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch headspace. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently, stirring in fresh cream after warming.
• Reheating Magic: Warm soup slowly over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add a splash of additional chicken broth if the soup becomes too thick during reheating. Avoid boiling to preserve delicate cream-based consistency.

Elegant Cream of Asparagus Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s cream of asparagus soup delivers elegant simplicity from fresh spring vegetables. Rich ingredients blend smoothly to create a classic French-inspired starter that home cooks can easily master.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) asparagus, fresh, ends trimmed, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) butter
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream, plus more for garnish
• 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth, low-sodium
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• salt, kosher
• pepper, freshly ground black
• chives, freshly chopped, for garnish
• dill, freshly chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Sautéing Foundation: Heat a large pot over medium temperature, melting unsalted butter until golden. Introduce finely chopped garlic and sauté briefly, releasing its aromatic essence without browning.
2. Vegetable Preparation: Add fresh asparagus spears to the butter, seasoning generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly and cook for 4-5 minutes, developing a light golden color and tender texture.
3. Liquid Infusion: Pour low-sodium chicken broth over the asparagus, ensuring complete submersion. Simmer covered for 12-14 minutes, maintaining the vegetable’s vibrant green hue and achieving perfect tenderness.
4. Purée Transformation: Transfer the mixture to a high-powered blender, carefully releasing steam to prevent pressure buildup. Blend until achieving a silky-smooth consistency with no vegetable remnants.
5. Creamy Refinement: Return the puréed soup to the pot over low heat. Fold in heavy cream, stirring continuously to create a luxurious texture. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to balance flavors.
6. Elegant Presentation: Ladle the warm soup into serving bowls. Embellish with a delicate cream drizzle, freshly chopped chives, and wispy dill fronds. Serve immediately to preserve the soup’s optimal temperature and creamy consistency.

Notes

• Prevent Garlic Burning: Sauté garlic quickly on medium heat to release flavor without scorching, which can create bitterness.
• Asparagus Texture Tip: Cook asparagus just until tender-crisp to maintain vibrant green color and prevent overcooking, which dulls its fresh taste.
• Blending Safety Alert: When pureeing hot soup, always slightly open the blender lid to release steam and prevent dangerous pressure buildup.
• Cream Incorporation Technique: Add cream off direct heat and stir gently to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, luxurious texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg