She Strengthens

Asparagus Soup Recipe: A Fresh and Flavorful Delight

Seasonal Splendor

When asparagus is in season, it’s the perfect time to create a delicious and refreshing soup that showcases its unique flavor. The bitterness of asparagus is beautifully balanced by the bright, citrusy taste of cilantro, making this soup a true culinary delight.

Essential Ingredients

To start, you’ll need a few key ingredients, including tamari, a Japanese version of soy sauce that’s often wheat-free. If you can’t find tamari, you can substitute it with low-sodium soy sauce. You’ll also need fresh basil, oregano, cumin, and cilantro to add depth and freshness to the soup.

Game Plan

This recipe makes 6-8 servings and can be prepared ahead of time. The soup and uncooked asparagus tips will keep for 2 days when refrigerated separately.

The Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, coarsely chopped
• 3 stalks celery, coarsely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 small russet potato, peeled and coarsely chopped
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 6 cups vegetable stock or water
• 2 pounds asparagus, trimmed, tips reserved and stalks cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon tamari
• 2 teaspoons sea salt
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
• 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions:

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a heavy stockpot over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and garlic, and sauté for 8 minutes, or until the onion is translucent.

Step 2: Add the Potato and Spices

Stir in the potato, basil, oregano, and cumin. Add the stock and bring to a simmer over high heat.

Step 3: Simmer and Purée

Decrease the heat to medium low, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes, or until the potato is almost tender. Add the asparagus stalks and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and the potato is very tender. Using a hand-held immersion blender, purée the soup in the pot until smooth.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches

Stir in the tamari, salt, and white pepper. Return the soup to a simmer, then stir in the cilantro.

Step 5: Prepare the Asparagus Tips

Meanwhile, cook the reserved asparagus tips in a saucepan of boiling water for 1 minute, or until crisp-tender. Drain, then cut the asparagus tips in half lengthwise.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into individual bowls. Garnish with the asparagus tips and serve.

Beverage Pairing

Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand, pairs perfectly with this soup. The wine’s hints of asparagus and fresh green herbs, combined with its citrus brightness and firm acidity, make it an ideal match for this refreshing soup.