Description
Hearty pioneer woman asparagus soup delivers rich, creamy comfort with simple midwestern ingredients. Fresh asparagus and smooth cream blend elegantly, inviting you to savor each warming spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) fresh asparagus
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsps (45 ml) unsalted butter
- 3 tbsps (23 g) all-purpose flour
- 4 cups (946 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon zest, for garnish
Instructions
- Preparation: Thoroughly wash asparagus under cold water, trimming woody bottoms. Dice onions and mince garlic with precision for optimal flavor integration.
- Foundational Sauté: Melt butter in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent, then introduce garlic, seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir briefly to prevent burning and maximize aromatic release.
- Roux Development: Sprinkle flour over the aromatics, whisking continuously to create a smooth base. Cook for 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour flavor and develop a golden undertone.
- Liquid Integration: Stream broth into the pot, incorporating chopped asparagus. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 15-20 minutes until vegetables become exceptionally tender.
- Textural Transformation: Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture into a silky-smooth consistency. For standard blenders, transfer in careful batches, releasing steam to prevent pressure buildup.
- Finishing Touches: Fold in heavy cream, adjusting seasoning to enhance flavor complexity. Taste and refine with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Serving Presentation: Garnish with delicate lemon zest and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Serve immediately to preserve temperature and visual appeal.
Notes
- Asparagus Selection: Choose bright green, firm stalks with tightly closed tips for the freshest, most flavorful soup base.
- Roux Mastery: Whisk flour carefully to prevent lumps and develop a rich, golden foundation that enhances overall soup texture.
- Blending Safety: Allow hot soup to cool slightly before blending to prevent potential pressure buildup and potential kitchen accidents.
- Cream Finale: Add cream off the heat to maintain smooth consistency and prevent unwanted separation or curdling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg