Creamy Asparagus Soup Recipe
Asparagus soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed year-round, offering a creamy and savory experience. This recipe focuses on creating a smooth, hearty soup using white asparagus, which has a milder and more delicate flavor compared to its green counterpart. With the addition of shallots, ham, eggs, and a rich cream base, this soup is perfect for a cozy dinner or an elegant appetizer.
Ingredients
Let’s start by gathering the ingredients you’ll need to make this delightful soup:
- 2 shallots
- 700 g white asparagus (peeled)
- 2 cubes of chicken stock (Maggi)
- 1,500 ml of water
- 200 ml of cooking cream or whipped cream
- 80 g of flour (or cornstarch)
- 70 g of butter
- Optional:
- 2 eggs
- 150 g strips of ham
- Fresh parsley for garnish
These ingredients will combine to create a rich and flavorful asparagus soup that you’ll love.
Preparation
Follow these preparation steps:
- Prepare the Asparagus: Peel and cut the asparagus into pieces.
- Chop the Shallots: Finely chop the shallots for sautéing.
- Prepare Optional Ingredients: If using eggs and ham, boil the eggs and cut the ham into strips.
Cooking the Asparagus
First, let’s cook the asparagus:
- In a large pot, bring 1.5 liters of water to a boil.
- Add the cut asparagus to the boiling water and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Allow the asparagus to cook in the water for an additional 10 minutes, ensuring it becomes tender.
Creating the Roux
Let’s move on to creating the roux:
- In a soup pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped shallots and sauté them until they become translucent.
- Stir in the flour (or cornstarch) to form a roux, and cook it gently for 5 minutes.
Combining Ingredients
- Dissolve the chicken stock cubes in the reserved cooking liquid from the asparagus.
- Slowly pour the stock mixture into the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- Once all the stock is added, stir in the cooking cream and the cooked asparagus.
Seasoning and Garnishing
Now that your soup base is ready, taste it to see if any additional seasoning is needed. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavor. Here’s where you can also add the optional ingredients:
- Add Ham Strips: Partially add the ham strips to the soup for extra flavor and texture.
- Serve and Garnish: Spoon the soup into bowls, and garnish with pieces of egg, ham strips, and finely chopped parsley.
Serving Suggestions
- Asparagus soup is best enjoyed warm and can be served as a starter or main course. Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. This soup also makes a great option for special occasions or holiday dinners.