Asparagus cream soup

Asparagus cream soup - a healthy and tasty delicacy

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Asparagus cream soup is a refined dish, full of nutrients and flavors, which is prepared quickly and easily. This simple recipe is perfect for an elegant dinner or to impress guests on a special occasion. Moreover, asparagus is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, making this soup not only tasty but also healthy.

Necessary ingredients:
- 500 g fresh asparagus
- 1 large onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 medium potato
- 750 ml vegetable broth (or water)
- 200 ml cooking cream (optional, for a creamier taste)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon juice (for an extra freshness)
- Optional: croutons or pumpkin seeds for serving

Step by step for a perfect asparagus cream soup:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the asparagus well under a stream of cold water. Cut off the woody ends of the stalks and, if they are very thick, peel the outer skin with a knife. Cut the asparagus into pieces of about 3-4 cm.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, add the olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the crushed garlic and continue to sauté for another 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.

3. Cooking the asparagus: Add the chopped asparagus and the potato (cut into cubes) to the pot and mix well. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus changes color and becomes softer.

4. Boiling the soup: Add the vegetable broth (or water) to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the asparagus and potato are fully cooked.

5. Blending the soup: Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until it becomes creamy. If you prefer a finer texture, you can strain the soup through a sieve. Add the cooking cream, salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste, mixing well.

6. Serving: Serve the asparagus cream soup warm, garnished with crunchy croutons or roasted pumpkin seeds for a delicious textural contrast. You can also add a few drops of olive oil on top for an elegant appearance.

Useful tips:
- For a vegan version, you can omit the cream or replace it with a plant-based alternative.
- If you want to intensify the flavor, you can add a few fresh mint or basil leaves at the end.
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and is just as tasty when reheated.

This asparagus cream soup is not only a delicious main course but also an elegant appetizer that will surely impress. Add this recipe to your culinary repertoire and enjoy fresh and healthy flavors!