Velvety Asparagus Soup

Creamy Asparagus Soup (Spargelsuppe): The Ultimate Easy 5-Ingredient Spring Delight

As the days grow longer and nature awakens, spring blesses us with one of its most anticipated treasures: fresh asparagus! There’s an undeniable joy that comes with this season, and for many, it signals the perfect time to indulge in the delicate flavors of a rich, creamy asparagus soup. Today, we’re diving into the heart of spring cuisine with a truly delightful and incredibly simple recipe for this classic dish, lovingly known as Spargelsuppe.

This recipe promises a velvety smooth, flavourful creamy asparagus soup crafted with just five essential ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned chef looking for a quick weeknight meal or a kitchen novice eager to explore the magic of spring produce, this easy asparagus soup recipe is designed for success. Its straightforward approach ensures that anyone can create a delicious bowl of Spargelsuppe that tastes like it came straight from a gourmet kitchen. So, gather your fresh white asparagus, prepare to be amazed, and get ready to enjoy the quintessential taste of spring in every comforting spoonful.

A height shot of two pink cups filled with white asparagus soup, garnished with parsley. A golden spoon takes a bite. A marbled white background.

Easy Asparagus Soup: A Creamy Spring Meal in an Instant

For me, spring has always been synonymous with asparagus. Growing up, the arrival of asparagus season was a family event. We’d often visit local farmers or greengrocers in my hometown, eagerly selecting the freshest stalks. These beautiful vegetables would then be transformed into delightful dishes, from simple butter-sautéed sides to the star of the show: creamy asparagus soup. The taste of that homemade soup always brought a comforting warmth and a sense of spring celebration.

Now, with my own family, the tradition of making asparagus soup continues, though I enjoy experimenting with various delicious twists. For special occasions like Easter, Mother’s Day, or dinner parties, I might prepare a more elaborate asparagus soup with egg and ham, adding richness and texture. Another family favorite is a unique mustard soup with smoked salmon and asparagus, offering a more complex flavor profile. However, there are times when simplicity reigns supreme, and that’s precisely when this easy creamy asparagus soup shines.

This particular Spargelsuppe recipe focuses on highlighting the natural, delicate flavor of fresh asparagus. The magic lies in the perfect balance achieved through using fresh asparagus, a robust chicken broth, and a meticulously prepared homemade roux for that desirable creamy texture. It’s a harmonious blend that creates a truly satisfying culinary experience without unnecessary fuss. I find this soup to be an excellent lunch option, especially when paired with delicious, crusty homemade ciabatta bread. It’s equally impressive as an elegant starter for any gathering, setting a sophisticated yet comforting tone for your meal. Embrace the beauty of spring and turn your kitchen into a haven of culinary delight with this simple, yet profoundly delicious, Spargelsuppe.

What You Need for This Easy Creamy Asparagus Soup Recipe

Crafting this delightful Spargelsuppe (Creamy Asparagus Soup) requires just a handful of quality ingredients, ensuring a focus on the fresh flavor of the asparagus. You’ll find the precise measurements detailed in the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post. Here’s a closer look at what makes this soup so special:

Ingedients Spargelsuppe (Creamy Asparagus Soup), five ingredients individually labelled on a white marbled background
  • Asparagus: The star of our Spargelsuppe! Asparagus is available in both green and white varieties. In the Netherlands, white asparagus is particularly prized as a true delicacy, celebrated for its tender texture and subtle, earthy flavor. Fresh white asparagus is typically available only between early March and June 24th, after which the plants are left to rejuvenate for the following year. While this recipe specifically calls for white asparagus to achieve the traditional Dutch flavor and creamy white color, you can certainly use green asparagus as a substitute. Keep in mind that using green asparagus will result in a soup with a vibrant green hue and a slightly different, though still delicious, flavor profile.
  • Chicken Stock: This forms the flavorful base of our creamy asparagus soup. A good quality chicken stock is crucial for adding depth and body to the soup. The best option is always a rich homemade chicken broth, which offers unparalleled flavor. However, if homemade isn’t an option, a high-quality store-bought chicken stock or even a bouillon cube dissolved in water will work well, ensuring your soup has plenty of savory goodness.
  • Flour and Butter (for the Roux): These two simple ingredients are essential for creating the perfect roux, which gives our Spargelsuppe its luscious, creamy consistency. To make the roux, you’ll melt the butter and then swiftly whisk in the flour all at once. It’s important to stir and cook this flour-butter mixture for about two minutes. This crucial step not only removes any raw flour taste but also allows the roux to properly thicken the soup without clumping. After cooking, you’ll gradually dilute the roux by whisking in the warm chicken broth until smooth and fully incorporated.
  • Fresh Parsley: More than just a garnish, fresh parsley adds a vital fresh accent to the rich and creamy asparagus soup. Its bright, herbaceous notes provide a lovely contrast, enhancing the overall flavor and adding a pop of vibrant green color to the finished dish. A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley before serving elevates both the taste and visual appeal of your homemade Spargelsuppe.
  • Salt and Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are critical for bringing out the best in all the ingredients. They allow you to adjust the flavor of the creamy asparagus soup to your personal preference, ensuring it’s perfectly seasoned and balanced. Always taste and adjust as needed!

How to Prepare Spargelsuppe – Creamy White Asparagus Soup

Creating this easy creamy asparagus soup is a straightforward and rewarding process. The key to its deep flavor lies in utilizing every part of the asparagus, including the often-discarded peels and ends, to create a flavorful stock. Below, you’ll find a more detailed, printable recipe card at the bottom of this blog post with precise measurements and timings. Follow these simple steps to prepare your own delicious Spargelsuppe:

4 collage photo preparation spargelsuppe
  1. Prepare the Asparagus: Begin by thoroughly washing your fresh white asparagus. Using a vegetable peeler, carefully peel the stalks from just below the head down to the end. The fibrous ends should be cut off and set aside. Then, cut the remaining peeled asparagus spears into small, manageable pieces. Keep these pieces separate from the peels and ends for now.
  2. Infuse the Broth: In a medium-sized pot, bring the chicken stock to a gentle boil. Once boiling, add the asparagus skins and the tough bottom ends you previously trimmed. These seemingly insignificant parts hold a surprising amount of flavor and will infuse the stock beautifully. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes. This allows ample time for all the subtle asparagus flavors to extract into the broth, creating a richer foundation for your soup.
  3. Strain the Stock: After simmering, carefully pour the infused broth through a coarse sieve into another clean pot or bowl. Press down on the asparagus peels and ends with the back of a spoon to extract every last drop of flavorful liquid. Discard the solids; their job is done. You now have a concentrated asparagus stock ready for the next step.
  4. Make the Roux and Finish the Soup: Melt the butter in a large, clean pot over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted and slightly shimmering, add the all-purpose flour all at once. Stir continuously with a wooden spatula for about two minutes. This ensures the flour cooks out its raw taste, which is crucial for a smooth and delicious soup base. Then, gradually pour the warm asparagus stock into the roux, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the reserved asparagus pieces to the pot. Let them cook for about 10 minutes, or until they are tender. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your asparagus. You can check for doneness by piercing an asparagus piece with a fork – if it goes in easily, it’s ready.
  5. Puree and Season: Once the asparagus pieces are tender, remove the pot from the heat. Using an immersion blender, carefully puree the soup until it reaches your desired creamy consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender (be cautious with hot liquids, blend in small amounts with the lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape). Taste the soup and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance its flavors.

Finally, gently reheat the soup if needed, ensuring it’s piping hot but not boiling vigorously. Ladle the creamy asparagus soup into warm soup bowls. This Spargelsuppe pairs exceptionally well with a variety of freshly baked breads, such as our recommended homemade ciabatta, a classic French baguette, or a flavorful focaccia. For a final flourish and a burst of freshness, garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy this simple yet sophisticated taste of spring!

Tips, Substitutions, and Variations for Your Spargelsuppe

This creamy asparagus soup recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing for a variety of customizations to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

  • Add Protein for a Heartier Meal: To transform your Spargelsuppe into a more substantial main course, consider adding cooked protein. Strips of smoked salmon or finely diced cooked ham are excellent choices that complement the delicate flavor of asparagus beautifully. Simply stir them in during the last few minutes of reheating, ensuring they warm through without overcooking.
  • Make it Vegetarian or Vegan: This soup can easily be adapted for vegetarian and vegan diets. Simply substitute the chicken stock with a good quality vegetable stock. For a vegan version, also replace the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and, if opting for a creamier soup, use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream instead of mascarpone or sour cream.
  • For Extra Creaminess: If you desire an even richer, more luxurious texture, stir in a spoonful or two of mascarpone cheese, sour cream, or heavy cream just before serving. These additions will add a delightful tang and velvety consistency to your creamy asparagus soup.
  • Boost the Flavor Profile: To add more aromatic depth, sauté a finely minced clove of garlic and a chopped shallot in the butter before adding the flour for the roux. You can also experiment with fresh herbs beyond parsley; fresh dill or thyme pair wonderfully with asparagus. A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg or a squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the flavors.
  • Spice It Up: For a subtle kick, add a tiny pinch of white pepper or a dash of your favorite mild chili flakes during the seasoning step.
Two pink cups filled with easy asparagus soup with a garnish of parsley. A marbled surface.

Did you make this delicious Creamy Asparagus Soup recipe? We’d love to see your creation! Tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram! I always enjoy seeing what you create in your kitchen and frequently share the most beautiful photos from my wonderful community. Did you enjoy this recipe? Then please consider leaving a rating on the recipe card below! Your valuable feedback is incredibly helpful to other home cooks and supports me immensely.

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RECIPE CARD

A square photo, two pink cups diagonally behind each other. In it a creamy asparagus soup with parsley. A white marbled background.
Spargelsuppe (Creamy Asparagus Soup)

img 190613 6Andréa

Embrace the freshness of spring with this incredibly easy and delicious creamy asparagus soup, also known as Spargelsuppe. Made with just five core ingredients, this simple recipe delivers a smooth, flavorful, and comforting bowl perfect for a beautiful spring day. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll be surprised by how quickly you can create this elegant and satisfying soup.

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes

Course Lunch, Soup
Cuisine Dutch

Servings 4 persons
Calories 237 kcal
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Ingredients

  • 1 pound white asparagus
  • 4 ½ cups chicken stock
  • 3 tablespoons butter, unsalted
  • â…“ cup all-purpose flour
  • salt and pepper, at the taste
  • ½ oz . Fresh Parsley, chopped finely

All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.

Metric – US Customary

Instructions

  • Wash the asparagus and peel them with a vegetable peeler. Cut the tough, woody ends (butts) off. Cut the remaining peeled asparagus into small, bite-sized pieces and set them aside.
    1 pound white asparagus
  • In a large pot, bring the chicken stock to a boil. Add the asparagus skins and the tough ends you trimmed earlier to the boiling stock.
    4 ½ cups chicken stock
  • Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 30 minutes to infuse the stock with a rich asparagus flavor.
  • Pour the infused stock through a coarse sieve into a clean pot, collecting all the liquid. Discard the asparagus skins and ends; their work is complete.
  • In the same (or a separate large) pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once fully melted, add the all-purpose flour all at once.
    3 tablespoons butter, â…“ cup all-purpose flour
  • Reduce the heat to medium and cook the roux (flour and butter mixture) for 2 minutes, stirring continuously with a wooden spatula, to cook out the raw flour taste.
  • Gradually pour the warm asparagus stock into the roux, whisking constantly and vigorously to prevent any lumps and create a smooth, thickened base.
  • Bring the soup to a boil, then add the reserved asparagus pieces. Reduce heat to a simmer and let them cook for 10 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork (cooking time may vary based on asparagus thickness).
  • Remove from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s wonderfully smooth and creamy. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
    salt and pepper
  • Gently heat the soup again until hot (do not boil vigorously). Ladle into individual soup bowls.
  • Garnish generously with finely chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately with crusty bread.
    ½ oz Fresh Parsley

Notes

1. Asparagus Selection: For this traditional Spargelsuppe, white asparagus is preferred for its delicate flavor and classic appearance. In the Netherlands, it’s a seasonal delicacy, typically available fresh from early March to June 24th. Green asparagus can be used as a substitute, but be aware that it will change the soup’s color to green and introduce a slightly different, often grassier, flavor. Choose firm, bright stalks without any wilting or discoloration.

2. Choosing Your Stock: The quality of your chicken stock significantly impacts the soup’s final flavor. We highly recommend using a rich homemade chicken broth for the best results, as it provides a depth of flavor that store-bought varieties often lack. If homemade isn’t an option, select a high-quality, low-sodium store-bought chicken stock or use a bouillon cube dissolved in water. For a vegetarian version of this soup, simply substitute chicken stock with an equally flavorful vegetable stock.

3. Variations for Customization:

  • To make the soup more filling and add a savory protein element, stir in cooked ham strips, crispy bacon bits, or flaked smoked salmon just before serving.
  • For an even creamier, more decadent soup, swirl in a tablespoon or two of mascarpone cheese, sour cream, or crème fraîche after pureeing. Heavy cream also works beautifully for extra richness.
  • To enhance the aromatic profile, sauté finely chopped garlic and shallots in the butter before adding the flour for the roux. Fresh herbs like dill, chives, or tarragon are also excellent additions that complement asparagus. A touch of freshly grated nutmeg can also elevate the flavor.

4. Storage and Reheating Tips:
Proper storage ensures your delicious Spargelsuppe can be enjoyed later.

  • Refrigerator: Allow the soup to cool completely to room temperature within two hours. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
  • Freezer: This creamy asparagus soup freezes well. Once cooled, pour the soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving about ¼ inch (½ cm) of headspace to account for expansion during freezing. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Reheat: Gently reheat the soup over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until it is hot throughout. Avoid vigorous boiling, as this can sometimes affect the soup’s texture. The soup is ready when steam is visibly rising from the surface. Reheating gently helps maintain its smooth consistency and delicious flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 237kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 11gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 465mgFiber: 3gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 1430IUVitamin C: 12mgIron: 4mg

Keyword creamy asparagus soup, spargelsuppe, easy asparagus soup, spring soup, white asparagus soup, homemade asparagus soup

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