Delicious Asparagus & Corn Soup: Cheat’s Version
When the cold weather rolls in and the world outside seems gray and dreary, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to lift your spirits. This Asparagus & Corn Soup: Cheat’s Version is perfect for those days when you find yourself too tired to whip up something elaborate, or when your pantry seems a bit bare. While I usually lean towards fresh, homemade ingredients, this recipe is an exception born out of necessity. It combines the comforting flavors of butter, onion, and bacon with the sweetness of corn and the subtle earthiness of asparagus, all in a creamy broth that warms you from the inside out.
The best part? It comes together in less than an hour, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a cozy camping meal.
Recipe Overview
| Name | Asparagus & Corn Soup (Cheat’s Version) |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
| Description | A quick, comforting soup that utilizes pantry staples for a delicious meal. |
| Recipe Category | Corn |
| Servings | 4 |
| Calories | 633.8 |
Ingredients
To create this delightful soup, gather the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion | 1 medium, chopped |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced |
| Bacon | 3 slices, chopped |
| Asparagus | 1 can (14 oz), drained and chopped |
| Corn Kernels | 1 can (15 oz), drained |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Dry White Wine | 1/4 cup |
| Black Pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground Nutmeg | 1/8 teaspoon |
| Fresh Thyme Leaves | 1 tablespoon |
| Dried Thyme | 1/8 teaspoon |
| Parmesan Cheese | 3/4 cup, grated |
Nutritional Information
Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 43.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 23.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 122.4 mg |
| Sodium | 1367.4 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 36.1 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.1 g |
| Sugars | 3.9 g |
| Protein | 18.8 g |
Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, follow these simple steps to create your Asparagus & Corn Soup:
-
Melt the Butter
Begin by melting the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, letting it gently coat the bottom of the pan for an even distribution of flavor. -
Sauté the Aromatics
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped bacon to the pan. Sauté these ingredients together until the onions are soft and translucent, and the bacon is crispy. This process should take about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. -
Combine the Soups
Remove the pan from the heat, and carefully pour in the can of condensed soup, stirring it into the aromatic mixture until well blended. The condensed soup serves as the base for your creamy broth. -
Add the Liquids
With the pan still off the heat, gradually add the water and milk, whisking or stirring constantly to avoid lumps. This will create a smooth and creamy texture. -
Return to Heat
Place the pan back on the stove and add the heavy cream and dry white wine, stirring to combine thoroughly. Allow the mixture to heat through without boiling. -
Incorporate the Vegetables
Gently stir in the canned asparagus pieces and drained corn kernels. Season the soup with stock powder, black pepper, ground nutmeg, and fresh and dried thyme. If you’re using a stock cube, dissolve it in a little hot water before adding it to the mix for an even distribution of flavor. -
Simmer the Soup
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer very gently for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to develop further and creates a rich, warming broth. -
Final Seasoning
Before serving, taste the soup and add salt if needed or a little more stock powder for extra flavor. -
Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and generously sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top. This adds a delicious, nutty flavor that complements the soup beautifully.
Tips for Perfecting Your Soup
- Customization: Feel free to customize this recipe according to your preferences. Adding other vegetables like carrots or potatoes can enhance the nutritional profile.
- Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
- Freezing: This soup can be frozen for future meals. Simply let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to three months.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this soup with crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
The Asparagus & Corn Soup: Cheat’s Version is a delightful reminder that sometimes, simplicity can lead to the most delicious outcomes. When you find yourself in a pinch, this recipe combines the best of convenience and flavor, turning humble ingredients into a comforting bowl of goodness. Enjoy it on a chilly evening or during a camping trip for a satisfying meal that warms your heart and soul.
Get ready to savor the flavors and enjoy the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen as this soup simmers away. Embrace the ease and comfort that comes with this cheat’s version, and you just might find yourself making it time and again!
