Cream of asparagus soup

Cream of asparagus soup is a delicious and creamy soup made primarily from asparagus, a popular spring vegetable known for its tender stalks and unique flavor. This soup is a wonderful way to celebrate the fresh and seasonal taste of asparagus. Here's a basic recipe to make cream of asparagus soup:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450 grams) fresh asparagus spears, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
• 4 cups (946 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional garnishes: grated Parmesan cheese, croutons, or fresh herbs

Instructions:

Prep the asparagus:

 Wash the asparagus spears thoroughly and trim off the tough, woody ends. Cut the asparagus into 1-inch pieces, discarding the tough ends.

Sauté the vegetables:

 In a large pot, melt the butter or heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for about 3-5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

Cook the asparagus:

 Add the asparagus pieces to the pot and continue to sauté for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the asparagus starts to soften.

Simmer with broth:

 Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the asparagus is tender.

Blend the soup:

 Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it's smooth and creamy. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth. Be cautious when blending hot liquids, as they can splatter.

Add cream:

 Return the blended soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Heat the soup gently over low heat, but do not let it come to a boil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve:

 Ladle the cream of asparagus soup into bowls. If desired, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, croutons, or fresh herbs for added flavor and texture.

Enjoy: 

Serve the soup hot and enjoy the rich, creamy goodness of cream of asparagus soup.

This soup is a great way to enjoy the delicate, earthy flavor of asparagus and is perfect for a light lunch or as an appetizer. You can also customize it by adding other ingredients like leeks, potatoes, or fresh herbs to suit your taste preferences.