Creamy Asparagus Soup (without cream!)
This Creamy Asparagus Soup (without cream!) is a delightful dish that brings the fresh flavors of spring to your table. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this soup is not only vegan but also rich and satisfying without any dairy. The combination of asparagus and cannellini beans creates a creamy texture that you will love. Serve it alongside a light salad for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Dairy-Free Delight: Enjoy a creamy soup without any dairy ingredients, making it suitable for vegans and those with lactose intolerance.
- Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s an ideal option for busy weeknights or last-minute lunches.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The blend of sautéed onions, garlic, and fresh asparagus ensures every spoonful is bursting with flavor.
- Versatile Pairing: This soup pairs beautifully with various salads or crusty bread, making it adaptable to any occasion.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with fiber and protein from the cannellini beans and filled with vitamins from the asparagus.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, make sure you have the right tools handy. These will help streamline your cooking process and ensure delicious results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Blender
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Blender: Essential for achieving that creamy texture without cream. It allows you to blend the soup smoothly.
- Large pot: Provides enough space to sauté ingredients and simmer the soup without overflowing.
- Cutting board & Knife: Necessary for efficiently chopping vegetables, ensuring even cooking throughout.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, (chopped)
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 pounds asparagus, (trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 15 ounce can cannellini beans
- 4 cups low sodium vegetable broth (or filtered water)
- Salt and pepper, (to taste)
How to Make Creamy Asparagus Soup (without cream!)
Step 1: Sauté the Onions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion along with a pinch of salt. Sauté until translucent and tender, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Asparagus
Add the minced garlic, trimmed asparagus pieces, and cannellini beans to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Step 3: Pour in Vegetable Broth
Pour in the low sodium vegetable broth (or filtered water). Increase heat to high until boiling.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes until the asparagus is fork-tender. Turn off heat and allow the soup to cool slightly before blending.
Step 5: Blend Until Creamy
In batches, transfer the soup into your blender. Fill only 1/4 to 1/3 way up to avoid spills. Secure lid loosely for steam escape. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Serve or Store
Serve immediately for best flavor! Alternatively, return to the pot to reheat gently or store in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 5 days.
Enjoy this vibrant Creamy Asparagus Soup (without cream!), perfect for any meal!
How to Serve Creamy Asparagus Soup (without cream!)
This Creamy Asparagus Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve it in various ways to enhance your dining experience.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup, adding a delightful texture contrast.
Add a Dollop of Vegan Yogurt
- Top each bowl with a spoonful of dairy-free yogurt for a creamy finish that complements the soup’s flavors.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can elevate the dish, adding freshness and color to your serving.
Serve with a Side Salad
- A simple arugula or spinach salad pairs wonderfully, providing a light crunch and balancing the soup’s richness.
Include Roasted Vegetables
- Roasted veggies such as carrots or bell peppers can add extra nutrients and flavor, making your meal more satisfying.
How to Perfect Creamy Asparagus Soup (without cream!)
Creating the perfect Creamy Asparagus Soup requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure success:
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Choose Fresh Asparagus: Select bright green, firm asparagus for the best flavor and texture in your soup.
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Don’t Skip the Seasoning: Use salt and pepper generously; they enhance the flavors of all ingredients.
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Blend in Batches: Blend the soup in small batches to achieve that smooth, creamy consistency without overflow.
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Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thinner soup, add more vegetable broth until you reach your desired texture.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Asparagus Soup (without cream!)
Serving this delightful soup alongside complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:
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Garlic Bread
This classic side adds flavor and is perfect for dipping into the soup. -
Quinoa Salad
A light quinoa salad with vegetables provides protein and pairs well with the flavors of asparagus. -
Roasted Potatoes
Crisp roasted potatoes offer a hearty element that balances the creamy soup nicely. -
Stuffed Peppers
Colorful stuffed peppers filled with grains and spices make for an attractive and tasty side dish. -
Caprese Skewers
Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil on skewers create a refreshing side that complements the soup’s richness. -
Vegetable Spring Rolls
These light rolls filled with fresh veggies add crunch and can be dipped in soy sauce or peanut dressing. -
Couscous Salad
Fluffy couscous mixed with herbs and lemon gives a zesty touch that contrasts well with the creamy soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Creamy Asparagus Soup (without cream!) can be delightful, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are a few mistakes to avoid:
- Skipping the onion: The onion adds essential flavor and sweetness; don’t rush this step. Make sure to sauté until it’s translucent.
- Overcooking the asparagus: If you cook the asparagus too long, it can become mushy. Aim for fork tenderness, about 5 minutes of simmering.
- Not seasoning properly: Under-seasoning can lead to bland soup. Taste and adjust salt and pepper before blending.
- Blending too much at once: Filling your blender too full can cause splatter. Blend in small batches to achieve a smooth texture.
- Using low-quality broth: A good broth enhances flavors. Choose low sodium vegetable broth for the best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing Creamy Asparagus Soup (without cream!)
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It freezes well for up to 3 months.
Reheating Creamy Asparagus Soup (without cream!)
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Creamy Asparagus Soup (without cream!) that might help you.
How can I make this soup thicker?
You can add more cannellini beans or reduce the broth slightly while cooking. Blending longer will also create a creamier texture.
Can I use frozen asparagus for this recipe?
Yes! Frozen asparagus works well; just make sure to thaw and drain excess water before cooking.
What can I serve with creamy asparagus soup?
Pair with a fresh arugula salad or whole-grain bread for a complete meal that balances flavors nicely.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This soup stores well and is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Asparagus Soup (without cream!) is not only rich and satisfying but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different herbs or vegetables based on your preference. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a comforting bowl of goodness that’s both healthy and delicious!
Creamy Asparagus Soup (without cream!)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of spring with this Creamy Asparagus Soup (without cream!). This delightful vegan dish combines tender asparagus and hearty cannellini beans to create a satisfying, creamy texture without any dairy. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this soup bursts with flavor from sautéed onions and garlic, making it an irresistible addition to your meal rotation. Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete and nutritious dining experience.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 pounds asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 15-ounce can cannellini beans
- 4 cups low sodium vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic, asparagus pieces, and cannellini beans; season with salt and pepper.
- Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to simmer for about 5 minutes until asparagus is fork-tender.
- Allow soup to cool slightly before blending until smooth and creamy.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
