Michigan Asparagus Soup Recipes

FRESH ASPARAGUS, ONION, POTATO SOUP

Steps:

• Asparagus -- First cut off about 14 tips - not to long. These will be lightly cooked in the microwave for about 30 seconds, just to lightly blanch or to soften them up. They are just a garnish. Rough chop the remaining asparagus. They are going in the food processor, so no need to chop them too fine.
• Soup Base -- To the food processor, add the diced asparagus (not the reserved tips), the onion, garlic, potatoes and a little of the broth, just to allow it to puree. Continue pulsing until smooth or the consistency you like best.
• Cook -- To a medium size soup pot, add 1/2 the butter and melt on medium heat. Add the vegetables and cook on medium to medium low and slowly cook the vegetables. They will take about 15 minutes until cooked through.
• Sauce -- As the vegetables cook, add the remaining butter to a small measuring cup and melt in the microwave (just 10 seconds or so). Remove from the microwave and add the flour and sherry and stir well. Pour this mixture into the vegetables, along with the broth and mix to combine. Bring to medium heat until the soup begins to thicken. Slowly whisk in the cream. You can add as much cream as you like. Some make like a more creamy texture and other less. So start slow and add 1 cup cream and a time until it reaches the consistency you like. Check for salt and pepper seasoning, and add the dill. Cook another 5 minutes until heated through.
• Asparagus Tips -- Wrap the tips in a damp paper towel and cook for 20-30 seconds in the microwave on medium high until they are slightly tender.
• Serve -- Top each bowl of soup with a couple of the asparagus tips and a little of the monterey jack cheese. You can also add bacon bits or a toasted baguette, or even bagel chips. Anything you want.
• Enjoy!

CREAMY ASPARAGUS CHOWDER

Steps:

• In a Dutch oven, melt butter; saute onions, celery and garlic until tender. Stir in flour.
• Add potato, milk, broth, thyme and marjoram; cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the potato is tender and soup is thickened, about 20-30 minutes.
• Add asparagus, salt and pepper; heat through.
• To serve, sprinkle with almonds, cheese and chopped tomato.

CREAM OF ASPARAGUS SOUP

Steps:

• Saute 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon fresh thyme in 2 tablespoons butter in a large pot over medium-high heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add 2 pounds asparagus (trimmed and chopped), 1 1/2 cups each water and chicken broth and a big pinch of salt. Simmer until tender, 5 to 8 minutes. Working in batches, puree in a blender. Return to the pot, whisk in 1/2 cup crème fraiche and warm through (do not boil). Season with salt and pepper. Top with more creme fraiche and chopped chives.

CREAMY ASPARAGUS CHOWDER

Steps:

• In a Dutch oven, saute onions and celery in butter until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in flour. Add the potato, milk, broth and herbs; cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the potato is tender and soup is thickened, about 20-30 minutes. , Add the asparagus, salt and pepper; heat through. To serve, sprinkle with almonds, cheese and the chopped tomato.

CREAM OF ASPARAGUS SOUP

Steps:

• Bring 6 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan; season with 2 teaspoons salt. Add asparagus tips and blanch until bright green and just tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to an ice bath with a slotted spoon; reserve for topping. Add trimmings, 1/2 shallot and 1/2 clove garlic to the same pot and return to a boil; reduce heat and simmer the asparagus stock 20 to 25 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
• In another saucepan, heat olive oil over medium. Add sliced shallot and chopped garlic and cook until softened but not browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in potato and enough of the asparagus stock to cover the vegetables (about 1 cup), and simmer until the potato is tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Strain remaining asparagus stock directly into saucepan with the potatoes. Add remaining asparagus and cook until tender and bright green, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Puree in a blender until completely smooth; remove 1 cup and reserve. Slowly stir in cream, and season to taste with salt and pepper; thin with reserved liquid as needed. Serve hot or chilled, topped with asparagus tips and a drizzle of oil.

GRANNYDRAGON'S REALLY QUICK CREAM OF ASPARAGUS SOUP

Steps:

• In the soup pot, melt the butter with the oil.
• Add onion, cooking until transparent.
• Add garlic and thyme, cook until the garlic smells aromatic, just a few minutes.
• Put both cans of asparagus and their liquid in a blender to puree. Add the pureed asparagus and chicken broth to the pot. Heat through.
• Add milk or cream to the pot, being careful not to allow it to boil.
• Adjust seasonings to your taste. You might serve with a pat of butter in the center of the bowl.