Pan-Roasted Asparagus Soup

Pan-Roasted Asparagus Soup
Craig Lee for The New York Times
Total Time
40 minutes
Rating
5(1,570)
Comments
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This simple soup can be ready in under an hour and takes full advantage of the flavor of asparagus by pan-roasting it before puréeing. Fresh tarragon takes it up a notch.

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Ingredients

Yield:4 servings
  • pounds thin asparagus (if only thick spears are available, peel them first)
  • 2tablespoons butter or extra virgin olive oil
  • 10fresh tarragon leaves, or ½ teaspoon dried tarragon
  • 4cups chicken or other stock
  • Salt and pepper
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

399 calories; 28 grams fat; 7 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 14 grams monounsaturated fat; 5 grams polyunsaturated fat; 8 grams carbohydrates; 4 grams dietary fiber; 3 grams sugars; 30 grams protein; 741 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Break off bottom part of each asparagus stalk, and discard. Coarsely chop the rest of stalks, leaving 12 or 16 of the flower ends whole. Put butter or oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. A minute later, add asparagus and tarragon, raise heat to high, and cook, stirring occasionally, until nicely browned, about 10 minutes. Remove whole flower ends; set aside.

  2. Step 2

    Add stock and some salt and pepper; bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until asparagus is very tender, about 10 minutes. Cool at least a few minutes.

  3. Step 3

    Pour soup into a blender, in batches if necessary, and carefully purée. Return to pan, and, over medium-low heat, reheat gently. When soup is hot, adjust seasoning. Put 3 or 4 asparagus flower ends in each of 4 bowls; ladle in soup, and serve.

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Ratings

5 out of 5
1,570 user ratings
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Comments

I don't know why the NYT recipes keep calling for hot soups to be put in a blender. That way lies a nasty mess and more things to clean. GET AN IMMERSION BLENDER and live the simple life you always wanted.

When I want to thicken "cream" soups without flour, etc, I add a small amount of plain white rice during the simmering. It gets pureed along with the vegetable and gives the finished product a bit more texture without adding another flavor. For this amount of liquid, I'd probably add 2-3 TBSP, depending on how thick you want it. (Thanks to a Julia Child recipe tip).

I really think one ought to cook some onions first as a base for the stock.

Very tasty. I added mashed potatoes to thicken it up, as others had mentioned. Thank you!

Sautéed leeks because I had them, used chicken bone broth to up the protein and added a splash of rice wine vinegar at the end for a little acid. Used an immersion blender to make life easier. So easy and delicious!

I made recipe as written but used 2lb’s of asparagus and added 1 large leftover cooked baked potato. After blending in Vitamix, I strained the soup and added 1Tbs of lemon juice. The soup was silky and delicious. Will be making again.

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