Silken White Asparagus Soup with Thyme Infusion
Indulge in the delicate flavors of this Silken White Asparagus Soup, where the mild and tender notes of fresh white asparagus blend seamlessly with the creamy richness of heavy cream. This soup showcases the unique characteristics of white asparagus, as it is harvested underground, resulting in its pale hue and gentle taste, making it a perfect choice for an elegant starter or a light meal. Enhanced by aromatic thyme and the comforting essence of chicken broth, this velvety soup is sure to delight your palate while providing a touch of sophistication to your dining experience.
4
Servings
87.5
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh white asparagus
1 lb (cut into large chunks)
medium onion
1 (diced)
garlic cloves
2 (chopped)
butter
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
chicken broth
24 ounces (homemade or store-bought)
medium potato
1 (peeled and diced)
dried thyme
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
heavy cream
4 ounces
white pepper
1/4 teaspoon
salt
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and chopped garlic, sautéing for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
2
Pour in the chicken broth and add the white asparagus chunks, diced potato, dried thyme, salt, and white pepper. Stir to combine.
3
Cover the saucepan and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for approximately 30 minutes or until the vegetables are softened.
4
Remove the tender asparagus tips from the soup and set them aside. Allow the soup to cool slightly before blending.
5
In a blender, carefully blend the soup until it reaches a smooth, velvety consistency. Return the blended soup to the saucepan.
6
Stir in the reserved asparagus tips and heavy cream, heating the soup gently until warmed through. Do not let it boil.
7
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed before serving.
Nutrition Information
3.75g
Fat
10g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Silken White Asparagus Soup?
It is a delicate, velvety soup made from fresh white asparagus, cream, and chicken broth, infused with aromatic thyme.
What makes white asparagus different from green asparagus?
White asparagus is harvested underground, which prevents photosynthesis; this results in its pale color and a milder, more tender flavor compared to green asparagus.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
Is this asparagus soup gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 87.5 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 3.75g of fat per serving of this soup.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 2.5g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 10g of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of broth is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 24 ounces of chicken broth, which can be either homemade or store-bought.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make it vegetarian by substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The soup should simmer for approximately 30 minutes or until the vegetables are softened.
Why should I set the asparagus tips aside?
The tips are removed before blending so they can be added back later, providing texture and a professional presentation.
What role does the potato play in this soup?
The diced potato acts as a natural thickener, helping to create a smooth and silky consistency when blended.
How much heavy cream is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 4 ounces of heavy cream.
Why use white pepper instead of black pepper?
White pepper is used to maintain the soup's uniform pale color without adding dark specks.
What is the first step in preparing the soup?
The first step is to melt butter in a large saucepan and sauté the diced onion and garlic for about 5 minutes.
How should the asparagus be prepared for cooking?
The fresh white asparagus should be cut into large chunks before being added to the pot.
Can I boil the soup after adding the cream?
No, you should heat the soup gently until warmed through but do not let it boil once the cream is added.
What seasoning is used for the thyme infusion?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of dried thyme to infuse the broth with flavor.
How do I achieve the silken texture?
The silken texture is achieved by blending the cooked vegetables until smooth and then stirring in heavy cream.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 2 garlic cloves, chopped.
Is this recipe suitable for a light meal?
Yes, it is perfect for an elegant starter or a light, sophisticated meal.
How much butter is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of butter.
Should the potato be peeled?
Yes, the medium potato should be peeled and diced before being added to the soup.
What is the preparation style for the onion?
The onion should be diced before sautéing.
Is this soup considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its creamy texture and warm, savory flavors.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 10 ingredients required for this soup.
What equipment is needed to blend the soup?
A standard kitchen blender is used to puree the soup until it reaches a velvety consistency.
Can I adjust the salt level?
Yes, the recipe suggests tasting and adjusting the seasoning with salt as needed before serving.
What is the primary category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as a Vegetable soup.