Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Asparagus Soup





No matter what the season, I enjoy a hot bowl of soup especially recipes like this asparagus soup that are fast, easy, seasonal and tasty. This delicious rich green soup can be whipped up in just 20 minutes from start to finish. If you like Asparagus, you'll love this flavorful soup!

It's finally spring on the East Coast and fresh asparagus are beginning to show up at local farmers markets, supermarkets, and the CSAs. I bought my first bunch of asparagus today and couldn't wait to make this simple soup that meets both gluten free and vegan standards.

I eat asparagus other ways as well. When asparagus are fresh and tender, I enjoy them raw. I eat them one by one, add them to salads or use them with dips on a crudités platter. 
Try my recipe for (link) roasted asparagus and cherry tomatoes .

However, sometimes I prefer my vegetables cooked, so I grill them or use small and medium asparagus spears to make this quick creamy soup that is light and flavorful.

Soup helps me boost the nutritional value of my meals and have yet another way to eat healthy greens!

Asparagus are a powerhouse of nutrients and help balance blood sugar


Not only are asparagus delicious, burt their health benefits are impressive.

  1.  Nutrient Dense ( lots of vitamins and minerals) 
  2.  Cancer protective antioxidants
  3.  Anti- inflammatory 
  4.  Helps balance blood sugar

In addition to being nutrient dense, asparagus contain cancer protective antioxidants,  anti-inflammatory properties, and may even help prevent cataracts. They contribute to maintaining normal blood sugar levels which make them a good choice for those with Type Two diabetes.

How to Select Asparagus

1. Look for bright green stalks
2. Look for firm stems
3. Their flowering tips should be closed and tight
4. Whether the stalk is thin, medium, or thick, the asparagus can all be very flavorful
5. Avoid stalks that are woody and may be chewy to eat.






How to Prepare Asparagus
Rinse well and then simply break off the ends that are the woody end. The woody end may appear white. The asparagus usually snap at just the right place. There is no need to even use a knife.

How to Eat Asparagus
1. Wash and eat them raw- they are delicious
2. Grill them and use as a side dish or garnish
3. Make them into a simple creamy soup

Author: Judee Algazi @ Gluten Free A-Z Blog
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 4 bowls

Soup Recipe

Ingredients: 
1 large onion, sliced in half moons or sliced ( or 2 leeks, sliced)
2 large stalks celery, cleaned and sliced
1/4 cup of vegetable broth or 1 tablespoon of olive oil to sauté
1 pound of fresh asparagus, washed and woody end snapped off
6 cups of vegetable broth
2 cups water
1 clove of  garlic, cut in half
Cracked pepper to taste


Directions: 

Saute the onion and celery in olive oil spray or 1/4 cup of vegetable broth in a 4 quart soup pot until translucent. Add 4 cups of broth and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, add the asparagus and clove of garlic then reduce heat and simmer for about 6- 8 minutes until the asparagus are tender. Add remainder of liquid only if needed. Puree in a high speed blender and serve! Cracked pepper to taste



What is your favorite way to eat asparagus? Do you eat them often? Do you grow them? 


Linked on : My Blog Carnival List and Souper Sunday at Kahakai Kitchen

My notes:
I skip adding salt because the vegetable broth can be salty

Pin It Please leave a comment so I know you stopped by. Scroll down to the end of the post and click on comments.

20 comments:

  1. It's ages since I've eaten asparagus soup, it looks delicious! I've never tried raw asparagus either, I must try that!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Raw asparagus are really delicious especially the thinner ones!

      Delete
  2. Looks great. What do you do with the whole garlic bulb?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. so glad you asked. It was a mistake! It should have read 1 clove of garlic and it should be added with the asparagus. I fixed the mistake. I appreciate your letting me know!!

      Delete
  3. My favorite is roasted or grilled asparagus, but this soup looks delicious, Judee! :-) Like Vicky, I've never tried raw asparagus. Intrigued!

    Shirley

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Shirley I really like asparagus grilled as well. Raw is absolutely wonderful as they are tender and tasty

      Delete
  4. MMMM. I love asparagus every which way. Soup looks so delicious, I'm pinning the recipe. Nancy A.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Nancy I appreciate the pin . Asparagus soup is delicious

      Delete
  5. I make asparagus soup often with a very similar recipe. What I do differently is use 2 medium size leeks instead of onions and I add a couple of sprigs of fresh from my garden of thyme. I hope you will try that when you next prepare asparagus soup, I think you would like it. I enjoyed your post, lots of info.

    Carolyn

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Carolyn,
      I like the idea of adding leeks instead of onion. I certainly will try that for a variation. Thanks for sharing and stopping by.

      Delete
  6. Hi Judee,
    I love fresh asparagus and this soup sounds wonderful. Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays. Pinned & tweeted! Have a healthy happy & blessed Memorial Day weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am an asparagus lover too and I am happy to share on Real Food Fridays. I love all the interesting recipes each week.

      Delete
  7. Hi Judee,
    Like you I am an Asparagus lover and this soup looks fantastic! Thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and have a great weekend!
    Miz Helen

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mz Helen,
      Asparagus seems to a vegetable that most people enjoy. I love participating in Full Plate Thursdays and especially enjoy your recipes and fabulous photos!

      Delete
  8. I have been on an asparagus kick lately so this recipe is perfect! Can't wait to try it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnMarie,
      thanks for stopping by. It is asparagus season and they are so good for you. This recipe gives you just one more way to enjoy asparagus

      Delete
  9. Such a yummy soup! I love to try new pureed soup recipes. Thank you for sharing your healthy and delicious Asparagus Soup recipe with us at the Plant-Based Potluck Party. I'm pinning and sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Asparagus is definitely one of my favourite vegetables, Judee! Your asparagus soup looks really fresh and tasty - I don't know why, but I've never made asparagus soup from scratch before. I'll have to remedy that soon!! Thank you for being a part of our Hearth and Soul Hop.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think that asparagus are so tasty eaten raw or steamed quickly- who would think to make soup?
      I get it...

      Delete
  11. I think just about every vegetable can be made into a soup. Hope you try it..

    ReplyDelete

Your comments are appreciated. I love knowing who is stopping by to read my posts! Have a great day.

Printfriendly