CHEF JOHN'S CREAM OF ASPARAGUS SOUP

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Chef John's Cream of Asparagus Soup image

For me, asparagus is one of those rare vegetables that shines brightest when enjoyed in soup form. Here's an ultra-easy and gorgeously colored cream of asparagus soup recipe.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Soup Recipes     Cream Soup Recipes

Time 1h

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 tablespoons butter
1 onion, finely diced
salt to taste
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 pinch ground nutmeg
½ cup heavy whipping cream
¼ cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 pinch cayenne pepper

Steps:

  • Melt butter in a soup pot over medium heat. Add minced onion and salt; cook and stir until onion is soft and golden, about 10 minutes.
  • Pour chicken broth and water into pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, and simmer 15 minutes.
  • Place asparagus pieces in simmering broth. Cook, stirring occasionally until asparagus is just tender and still bright green, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • Use an immersion blender to blend soup until smooth, about 3 minutes.
  • For a finer texture, strain soup through mesh strainer. Return strained soup to pot and place on stove.
  • Turn heat to low. Season with cayenne pepper, black pepper, and nutmeg. Adjust salt to taste. Whisk 1/2 cup cream into soup.
  • Place 1/4 cup cream, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and lemon zest in a small bowl. Whisk until frothy and slightly thickened, about 1 minute.
  • Ladle soup into bowls. Drizzle a spoonful of Parmigiano-Reggiano-lemon cream on top of each serving and swirl to form a random design.
  • Sprinkle with a pinch of lemon zest and cayenne pepper, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 187.1 calories, Carbohydrate 10.5 g, Cholesterol 51.5 mg, Fat 15.4 g, Fiber 3.9 g, Protein 4.8 g, SaturatedFat 9.6 g, Sodium 59.8 mg, Sugar 4.5 g

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