Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 pounds asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Blender or immersion blender
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the asparagus and broth to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender.
3. Using a blender or immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth.
4. Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Heat the soup over low heat until warmed through.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat for cooking
- Low heat for warming the soup
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 7g
- Fiber: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Asparagus can be substituted with broccoli or cauliflower
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or milk
- Butter can be substituted with olive oil or coconut oil
Variations:
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick
- Top with croutons or grated Parmesan cheese for added texture and flavor
- Garnish with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives
Tips and tricks:
- To make the soup even creamier, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the soup in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the soup in individual bowls with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of chopped herbs on top
Garnishes:
- Croutons
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh herbs
Pairings:
- Crusty bread
- Grilled cheese sandwich
- Salad
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add more broth or cream to thin it out
- If the soup is too thin, simmer it over low heat until it thickens
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the asparagus thoroughly to avoid any potential foodborne illnesses
Food history:
- Asparagus has been cultivated for thousands of years and was prized by the ancient Greeks and Romans for its medicinal properties
Flavor profiles:
- Creamy, savory, and slightly sweet
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the soup as a starter or a light meal
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