Ina Garten’s Velvety Cream Of Asparagus Soup Recipe

Cream of asparagus soup whispers comfort and sophistication in every spoonful, transforming humble vegetables into a velvety culinary masterpiece.

Green stalks dance with aromatic herbs, creating a symphony of flavors that warm the soul and delight the senses.

Seasonal ingredients merge seamlessly, producing a luxurious texture that feels both rustic and refined.

Creamy, smooth, and subtly elegant, this soup represents more than just a recipe – it’s a celebration of fresh, quality produce.

Delicate yet robust, each ingredient contributes its unique character to the final composition.

Rich and nourishing, this soup promises a memorable dining experience that will leave you craving another bowl:

Ending Spoonful of Asparagus Soup

Culinary magic emerges from Ina Garten’s masterful asparagus soup, showcasing her signature elegant simplicity.

Green elegance flows through each carefully crafted spoonful, highlighting spring’s most graceful vegetable.

Complex layers of texture and taste dance across palates with sophisticated charm.

Creamy richness mingles with fresh herbal undertones, creating an extraordinary dining experience.

Why Ina Garten Cream Of Asparagus Soup Feels Fancy

• Savor Spring's Essence: This soup captures the delicate, fresh flavor of asparagus at its peak, transforming simple vegetables into a luxurious, velvety dish that celebrates seasonal produce.
• Master Culinary Technique: The recipe demonstrates professional cooking methods like blanching, creating a bouquet garni, and straining for an incredibly smooth texture that elevates home cooking to restaurant-quality preparation.
• Elegantly Simple Comfort: Despite its sophisticated appearance, the soup requires minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible for home cooks while delivering an impressive, restaurant-worthy result that feels both comforting and refined.

Ingredients for Ina Garten Cream Of Asparagus Soup

Main Ingredients:

• Asparagus: Fresh, tender vegetable with delicate flavor, forms the core of the soup's taste and texture.
• Asparagus Tips: Elegant garnish that provides visual appeal and extra vegetable crunch.

• Onion, Celery, Carrot: Classic flavor base that creates depth and subtle sweetness in the soup's foundation.

• Asparagus Cooking Liquid: Rich vegetable broth that concentrates the asparagus essence and provides soup's primary liquid.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and smooth texture to the soup.
• White Vermouth: Introduces subtle herbal complexity and depth of flavor.

• Parsley, Thyme, Bay Leaf: Aromatic herbs that create a delicate, sophisticated bouquet garni for layered taste.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances and balances overall soup flavor.
• Black Pepper: Provides gentle, warm spiciness to complement the creamy soup.

• Butter: Provides rich base for sautéing vegetables and adds silky mouthfeel.
• Flour: Helps thicken the soup and create smooth consistency.

Directions for Ina Garten Cream Of Asparagus Soup

Step 1: Prepare Cooking Station

Set up a large pot for boiling water and a bowl filled with ice water. Sprinkle kosher salt into boiling water.

Step 2: Blanch Asparagus

• Wash asparagus thoroughly
• Cook asparagus in batches for 4 minutes until tender
• Transfer immediately to ice water using a slotted spoon
• Drain completely after cooling

Step 3: Prep Asparagus

• Cut 18 asparagus tips diagonally for garnish
• Chop remaining asparagus into small pieces

Step 4: Create Vegetable Base

• Onions
• Celery
• Carrots

Cook covered for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally until vegetables soften

Step 5: Thicken Soup Foundation

Sprinkle flour into vegetable mixture. Stir constantly for 2 minutes to create a smooth roux

Step 6: Build Liquid Layer

Gradually add reserved asparagus cooking liquid, stirring continuously until mixture boils

Step 7: Infuse Herbal Aromatics

• Parsley
• Thyme
• Bay leaf

Tie herbs together, add to pot, and simmer for 10 minutes

Step 8: Incorporate Asparagus

Add chopped asparagus to pot, return to boil, then remove from heat

Step 9: Blend And Strain

• Remove bouquet garni
• Carefully puree soup in blender batches
• Strain through fine sieve for silky texture

Step 10: Final Flavor Enhancement

• Heavy cream
• White vermouth
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper to taste

Step 11: Elegant Serving

Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with reserved asparagus tips

Tips to Master Asparagus Soup

• Harvest Fresh Asparagus: Select bright green, firm stalks with tightly closed tips to ensure maximum flavor and crisp texture in your soup.
• Slice Smartly: Trim the tough woody ends of asparagus before chopping to prevent any bitter or fibrous texture from affecting the soup's smoothness.
• Control Cooking Time: Blanch asparagus quickly to preserve its vibrant green color and retain essential nutrients, preventing mushy or discolored vegetables.
• Blend for Silkiness: Use an immersion blender or standard blender to create an ultra-smooth consistency, working in batches if needed for the most luxurious texture.
• Customize Consistency: Adjust the soup's thickness by adding extra stock or cream, creating a personalized dining experience that suits your preference.

Storage Notes for Asparagus Soup Lovers

• Vacuum Sealing: Lock in freshness by transferring cooled soup into vacuum-sealed bags, removing all air pockets. This method preserves flavor intensity and prevents freezer burn, extending storage life up to 4-6 months. Professional chefs swear by vacuum sealing for maintaining soup's original taste and texture.
• Mason Jar Method: Pour cooled soup into clean glass mason jars, leaving one inch of headspace at the top. Secure tight-fitting lids and store in refrigerator for optimal taste preservation. Glass containers prevent flavor absorption and allow easy monitoring of soup condition.
• Portion Freezing: Divide soup into individual serving sizes using silicone muffin trays or ice cube trays. Once frozen, pop out portions and transfer to labeled freezer bags. This technique enables quick, single-serving reheating without defrosting entire batch.

Fun Swaps in Ina Garten Cream Of Asparagus Soup

• Green Goddess Boost: Incorporate fresh basil, chives, and a dollop of pesto to enhance the herbal notes and create a vibrant green color profile.
• Roasted Veggie Version: Roast asparagus and vegetables before blending to develop deeper, caramelized flavors and add smoky undertones to the soup.
• Protein-Packed Edition: Add crispy pancetta crumbles or shredded cooked chicken on top for extra protein and a savory crunch that complements the creamy texture.
• Mediterranean Spin: Introduce crumbled feta cheese, a sprinkle of za'atar spice, and a drizzle of olive oil to transform the traditional recipe with Mediterranean-inspired elements.