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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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