Asparagus Tip Soup with Jalapeno Cream
Description:
This delightful Asparagus Tip Soup with Jalapeno Cream is a refreshing and vibrant dish inspired by diverse flavors from across the world, offering a perfect balance of springtime freshness and creamy texture. Itβs a lovely combination of tender asparagus, aromatic cilantro, and a touch of ground coriander, all enhanced with the creamy zing of a jalapeno-infused topping. Whether served hot on a chilly day or chilled for a cool, summer lunch, this soup provides an exciting twist with the addition of the jalapeno cream, making it a versatile and delicious option for any occasion. This recipe is not only simple to make but also offers the perfect balance of flavors, ideal for spring and summer gatherings or a cozy brunch. The soup’s lightness and vibrant flavors make it a perfect addition to your repertoire of vegetable-based dishes.
Recipe Category:
- Vegetable
- Soup
- Spring
- Summer
- Brunch
- Stove Top Cooking
- Small Appliances
- < 60 Minutes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Asparagus | 1 1/2 pounds |
| Unsalted Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh Cilantro | 5 tablespoons |
| Ground Coriander | 2 teaspoons |
| Lime Juice | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Light Cream Cheese | 3 tablespoons |
| Nonfat Yogurt | 3 tablespoons |
| Maple Syrup | 3 teaspoons |
| Lime Juice (for cream) | 1/2 tablespoon |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 174.1 kcal |
| Total Fat | 9.7 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 4.3 grams |
| Cholesterol | 21.7 mg |
| Sodium | 337 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 14.1 grams |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.7 grams |
| Sugars | 6.1 grams |
| Protein | 9.6 grams |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Asparagus:
- Begin by trimming the tough ends off the asparagus spears. Set aside the tender asparagus tips for later use.
- Chop the remaining asparagus stalks into small pieces for easy cooking.
-
Cook the Soup Base:
- In a large saucepan, combine vegetable stock, chopped asparagus, fresh cilantro, and ground coriander. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10β12 minutes or until the asparagus is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
-
Blend the Soup:
- Remove the pot from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy. If you donβt have an immersion blender, transfer the soup in batches to a blender or food processor. Blend until the soup reaches a velvety smooth consistency.
- For a more refined texture, pour the soup through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any fibrous bits, pressing gently to extract as much liquid as possible.
-
Finish the Soup:
- Return the smooth soup to the stove and reheat gently over low heat.
- Stir in the freshly squeezed lime juice to add a bright, tangy note that balances the creaminess of the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
-
Prepare the Asparagus Tips:
- While the soup is simmering, bring a small pot of water to a boil. Blanch the reserved asparagus tips for 2β3 minutes until tender, then drain and set them aside.
- Alternatively, you can microwave the tips for 1-2 minutes in a microwave-safe bowl with a small amount of water until they are just tender.
-
Make the Jalapeno Cream:
- In a small bowl, combine the light cream cheese, nonfat yogurt, maple syrup, and the additional lime juice. Stir well to combine into a smooth and creamy texture.
- For a spicy kick, finely chop a fresh jalapeno pepper and mix it into the cream mixture. Adjust the quantity based on your desired level of spice. Mix thoroughly to combine.
-
Serve:
- To serve, ladle the hot soup into individual bowls. Garnish each bowl with a few of the blanched asparagus tips for a pop of color and crunch.
- Spoon a generous dollop of the creamy jalapeno mixture into the center of each bowl of soup.
- Gently swirl the cream into the soup or leave it as a topping for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
Tips and Variations
-
Cold Soup Option: This soup is perfect for warm weather and can be served cold for a refreshing treat. Simply prepare the soup and allow it to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it until chilled before serving.
-
Vegan Version: To make this soup vegan-friendly, substitute the light cream cheese with cashew cream or a plant-based cream cheese, and swap the nonfat yogurt for a dairy-free alternative such as coconut yogurt.
-
Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more jalapenos to the cream mixture or even incorporating a pinch of chili powder or smoked paprika into the soup for an extra layer of flavor.
-
Garnishes: You can enhance the presentation by adding a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of roasted pumpkin seeds, or a few sprigs of fresh cilantro as additional garnishes.
-
Serving Suggestions: Pair this soup with a fresh spring salad, grilled chicken, or a crusty slice of bread for a complete meal.
This Asparagus Tip Soup with Jalapeno Cream is an excellent dish that celebrates the fresh, vibrant flavors of spring vegetables, elevated by the creamy and spicy jalapeno topping. It is easy to make, full of nutritious ingredients, and offers flexibility to be served either hot or cold, making it an ideal choice for different occasions and seasons. Whether youβre preparing a light brunch or serving it as an appetizer for a special dinner, this soup will be sure to impress. Enjoy the fresh, zesty flavors of asparagus and the creamy richness of the jalapeno topping in every comforting spoonful!
