Delicious Asparagus Soup Recipe for a Healthy Meal
Are you looking for a delicious soup recipe that’s both healthy and satisfying? Look no further than this vegan creamless creamy asparagus soup recipe! You’ll be blown away by the rich, creamy texture and fresh, savory flavors.
What sets this recipe apart is its ability to create a luscious, creamy soup without using any dairy products. By relying on the natural creaminess of cauliflower and asparagus, mixed with a delicious blend of aromatic herbs and spices, this soup is both vegan and paleo-friendly.
Not only is it packed with nutrients from fresh asparagus, but it’s also easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. So why settle for bland, boring soups when you can enjoy this flavor-packed bowl of goodness?
Whether you’re a vegan, avoiding dairy products or simply looking for a healthier alternative to traditional cream-based soups, this recipe is the perfect choice. So let’s get cooking and discover the delicious world of vegan creamless creamy asparagus soup!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
As a seasoned food writer, I have tasted and tested an abundance of soup recipes over the years. However, this vegan creamless creamy asparagus soup recipe is one of my absolute favorites.
Firstly, it is free from dairy products, making it an ideal choice for vegans and those who follow a dairy-free lifestyle. But even if you are not a strict follower of these dietary preferences, you will still appreciate the light and refreshing taste of this soup.
One reason why this recipe stands out is that it effectively captures the natural flavor of fresh asparagus. When cooked the right way, asparagus can impart a unique grassy, slightly bitter note to the dish. And in this particular recipe, the pureed asparagus truly shines.
But here’s the kicker: despite being labeled as “creamless,” this soup has a luxurious and velvety mouthfeel that rivals that of any cream-based soup. You read me right- no cream! Instead, clever substitutions such as cauliflower help to create texture and depth in this deceptively simple dish.
Furthermore, the recipe is incredibly versatile. With just several easy-to-find ingredients and a hassle-free process, you can whip up a superb pot of soup within minutes. You can serve it on its own as a light and healthy lunch option or pair it with a crusty bread for an elegant appetizer course.
In summary, if you are searching for a delicious yet wholesome vegan-soup recipe that tastes remarkably indulgent but without all of the heavy cream and unwanted calories – this vegan creamless creamy asparagus soup recipe is for you!
Ingredient List
The quality of ingredients is key to creating an exceptional soup. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this Vegan Creamless Creamy Asparagus Soup Recipe:
1 medium onion diced
2 celery ribs chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
4 cups chopped asparagus
- (tough ends removed and discard)
1 cup cauliflower
- (fresh or frozen)
6 cups water or vegetable broth
- (for richer flavor, use vegetable broth)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional:
– Roasted asparagus spears for garnish (sliced off the tough ends and drizzle with olive oil and a pinch of salt before baking at 400°F for 10-12 minutes)
– Nutritional yeast for extra umami flavor
Note that this recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan. Plus, it doesn’t require any cream or dairy-substitute, so it’s a true creamless creamy asparagus soup.
The Recipe How-To
Now, the time has come for us to roll our sleeves and get cooking! You’ll be amazed at how easy this recipe is, and it won’t take you long to prepare the creamy asparagus soup using these instructions.
Step 1: Prep the Asparagus
Firstly, let’s get our hands on 1 pound of fresh asparagus spears. To start with, you need to trim off the tough ends of the asparagus and discard them. The tough ends can make the asparagus soup stringy and tough to swallow. Once you’ve done that, chop up the spears into 2-inch pieces.
Step 2: Cook the Veggies
In a pot over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté 1 medium onion diced, 2 celery ribs chopped up, and 2 cloves garlic minced for 2-3 minutes until softened. Then add in the chopped cauliflower and cook for around 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add Water and Asparagus
Add enough water (or vegetable broth) until it covers all the veggies in your pot (around 4 to 6 cups should do). Then add your chopped asparagus to your pot (save some tips for garnish later!) along with 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme and 1/2 teaspoon dried basil. Cover with a lid and let everything simmer for around 10 minutes or until your veggies are tender.
Step 4: Blend It Baby!
Remove your pot from heat and blend everything into creamy smoothness using an immersion blender. If you don’t have an immersion blender, pour everything into a blender where you can control the consistency of your soup better! Make sure everything is blended smoothly without any chunky bits.
Step 5: Time for Seasoning
It’s now time to perfect your soup’s flavor!Add in a pinch of salt, black pepper according to your taste preferences. For some extra cheesy taste, sprinkle some nutritional yeast on top!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Ladle your velvety smooth soup into bowls or favorite cup, then garnish with reserved asparagus spears tips, roasted asparagus spears or with some tarragon sprigs. Now you’re ready to indulge in this rich tasting dish!
This recipe rich in flavor is so versatile that you can swap certain ingredients based on what’s available for you! Use broccoli instead of cauliflower, use water instead of vegetable broth, or substitute nutritional yeast with potatoes That’s why I love it so much – it does not limit one’s creativity!
Substitutions and Variations
Ah, the beauty of variations and substitutions. They often seem like an afterthought, but really they can be a creative blank canvas waiting for you to make your mark.
For this creamless creamy asparagus soup recipe, there are a few options to consider.
Firstly, if you don’t have any cauliflower on hand or simply don’t care for its flavor, you can try substituting it with potatoes, turnips or parsnips. They all provide starchy, earthy goodness that will add depth to the soup.
Secondly, although asparagus is pretty much the start of the show here, you can get creative with combining vegetables. Try using some celery root or fennel in place of one of the celery ribs to add dimension and a hint of mild sweetness.
Thirdly, play around with different herbs for an added flavor dimension. While dried thyme and basil are lovely together, fresh oregano or rosemary would bring different layers to the party.
Fourthly, if you’re gluten-free or looking for a low-carb option, swap out the water listed in the recipe with vegetable broth or coconut milk instead to make it even more lush and hearty.
Lastly, there’s always room for toppings! Nutritional yeast sprinkled on top adds a cheesy flavor while roasted asparagus spears give some texture variation. The possibilities are endless!
So go ahead and experiment with making this vegan creamless creamy asparagus soup recipe your own. It could become one of your signature dishes in no time!
Serving and Pairing
Ah, serving time! A vegan creamless creamy asparagus soup that begs to be paired with some equally delicious sides. This soup is a burst of flavor, so pairing it with something milder may balance out the whole taste experience, but you be the judge.
When it comes to serving, you can either dish up your soup on its own or pair it with bread or crackers for some contrasting texture. Personally, I love dipping a piece of crusty bread in my soup, and the crunch and texture are perfect with this velvety vegan soup.
For something more substantial, consider a plate of roasted or steamed vegetables like carrots, broccoli or zucchini. The mixture of flavors and textures works magic together. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad with some leafy greens.
If you’re trying to bulk up your meal, consider adding grilled tofu or tempeh cubes on top of your bowl. Another option is roasted chickpeas for a crispy crunch. Sprinkle the bowl with some extra fresh thyme or basil leaves for a pop of color.
For drinks, we suggest tea or coffee for an aftertaste finish that consists of cozy notes to tie this savory flavor profile off perfectly.
This recipe enables quite a few pairings as it carries distinct flavors that play well within mild teams or even dominant ones if boldness is what you’re craving. Additionally, the soup freezes well so make those portions bigger and put them away for a comforting meal any day.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
The beauty of this vegan creamless creamy asparagus soup is that it can be made ahead of time and stored easily for reheating. When making this soup ahead of time, it is best to allow it to cool down to room temperature before placing it into an airtight container. It can then be refrigerated for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
To reheat, simply pour the desired amount into a saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally until heated through. If the soup is too thick, add a little vegetable broth or water to thin it out. Alternatively, it can also be reheated in the microwave for a quick and easy meal on the go.
When reheating this soup, be mindful not to overheat as this may cause the soup to lose its creamy texture and become stringy. It is best to reheat slowly on low-medium heat and stir regularly to ensure even heating.
Additionally, if you find that the soup has thickened too much during storage, simply add a little vegetable broth or water when reheating until you reach your desired consistency.
Overall, this vegan creamless creamy asparagus soup is perfect for make-ahead meals and busy weeknights. With its ease of storage and reheating methods, there’s no need to sacrifice flavour or texture for convenience.
Tips for Perfect Results
As a vegan chef, I have learned some tricks that can help you achieve perfect results when making a creamless creamy asparagus soup recipe. With this in mind, I’m going to share my tips and tricks with you, so you can enjoy a delicious and velvety soup every time you make it.
First, it’s important to remove the tough ends from the asparagus spears before cooking them. These ends can make your soup stringy and unappetizing. To remove them easily, simply grasp each end of the spear and gently bend it until it snaps off. This will leave you with the tender part of the asparagus that is perfect for making soup.
Secondly, I recommend using nutritional yeast to add thickness and richness to your soup without using dairy products. Nutritional yeast has a nutty flavor and provides an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. It’s also gluten-free and vegan-friendly, making it an ideal choice for this recipe.
When roasting the asparagus for garnish, make sure not to overcook it. Overcooked asparagus can become mushy and lose its bright green color. The right way to cook asparagus is just until tender or when the tips start to brown slightly.
Another tip for a smooth texture is to blend your soup in batches if you’re using a blender or food processor since too much at once may prevent it from becoming silky smooth.
Finally, if you’re going to store any leftover soup, I recommend storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add some vegetable broth or water volume by volume until reaching soupy consistency again.
These tips should help ensure your creamless creamy asparagus soup turns out velvety-smooth, rich in flavor and nutrients without being loaded with calories thanks to creamless creaminess!
FAQ
Now that you have learned how to make this delicious creamless creamy asparagus soup recipe, you may have some questions. In this section, I will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this dish. Whether you are wondering about ingredient substitutions or storage tips, keep reading to find all the answers you need.
How do you thicken soup without milk or cream?
To achieve the perfect thickness in your soup, sprinkle some cornstarch into a bowl of cool broth or water and mix it well. Slowly add this mixture to your soup while stirring it continuously. Let the soup simmer for a while until you get the desired thickness. This little trick can make your soup taste like heaven!
Why is my asparagus soup stringy?
When making asparagus soup, you may encounter a problem of having stringy soup even after blending it thoroughly. The issue usually lies in choosing the wrong asparagus spears. It’s important to avoid selecting spears that are too thick, as they can cause the soup to become stringy. On the other hand, thin spears may not provide the necessary texture to the soup. To solve this, a helpful technique is to use the “bend and snap” method when cutting the asparagus.
Can you freeze cream of asparagus soup?
If you have any leftovers of our delightful asparagus soup, you can easily freeze it for up to three months. To do so, just transfer it into an airtight container or reusable freezer-safe bags before placing it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, take the soup out of the freezer and let it defrost slowly overnight. Then, gently reheat it in a saucepan and relish every warm, comforting spoonful.
What can you do with the tough ends of asparagus?
Asparagus ends are often overlooked, but they actually hold a tremendous amount of flavor that can be utilized in a variety of ways. Soup and sauce are just two examples of the many dishes that can be elevated with asparagus ends. If you find yourself with leftover ends after preparing asparagus spears for a meal, don’t throw them away! Instead, freeze them for future use.
Bottom Line
As the vegan chef’s articulate assistant, I can confidently say that this Vegan Creamless Creamy Asparagus Soup Recipe is an all-around winner. With its delicious blend of fresh and flavorful ingredients like asparagus, cauliflower, and garlic, it’s hard to resist the creamy texture and mouthwatering aroma of this soup.
Whether you’re looking for a dairy-free, gluten-free, or paleo-friendly dish, this recipe has got you covered. With vegan cream substituting for traditional cream on a one-to-one basis, there’s no need to worry about sacrificing taste for dietary restrictions.
Additionally, this recipe is versatile enough to accommodate various substitutions and variations. You can switch up the ingredients or even add in some roasted asparagus spears for an extra boost of flavor. This makes it possible to customize the soup to suit your personal taste preferences.
When it comes to serving, pairing, and storing this soup, there are many options available. The recipe pairs well with a variety of dishes and makes for excellent weeknight dinners or easy-to-pack lunches.
Overall, if you’re looking for a soup recipe that’s easy to make, filled with nutritious ingredients, and satisfies all of your dietary needs, then look no further than this Vegan Creamless Creamy Asparagus Soup Recipe. I highly recommend giving it a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Vegan Creamless Creamy Asparagus Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 cups water
- 2 lbs asparagus, chopped into 1 inch pieces
- 4 cups cauliflower, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 3 celery ribs, chopped
- 1 small white onion, chopped
- 8 garlic cloves, thickly sliced
- 2 tablespoons dried basil
- 2 tablespoons dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dill seed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- (Before cutting the asparagus, be sure to snap off the ends. The asparagus will naturally break at it's "fresh" point. Discard the stumps).
- In a pot, bring the water to a boil.
- Heat the olive oil in another pot over medium heat. Add the garlic, onions and dill seeds. Sauté for 5 minutes or until the onions begin to soften and the ingredients become fragrant.
- Add the celery, cauliflower, salt and pepper. Sauté for another 5 minutes, until cauliflower begins to soften.
- Add the asparagus, basil, thyme and water and bring to a boil. Turn the heat down to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, or until the asparagus and cauliflower are fork-tender.
- Turn the heat off and blend the soup in batches, pouring into another pot over low heat, or use an immersion blender until the soup is creamy.
- Season with more salt and pepper to taste and serve with some warm artisan bread.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.