Creamy Asparagus Soup

Creamy Asparagus Soup

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This vegetarian soup gets its creaminess from coconut milk and starchy potatoes, and is just as delicious heated as it is chilled. For a vegan option, skip the yogurt topping and mix the lemon juice with a bit of oil for a citrusy vinaigrette.

Author: Adapted from EatingWell

Recipe type: Soup

Makes: About 8 cups (2 L)

Ingredients

• 3 Tbsp (45 mL) olive oil

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• ¼ tsp (1 mL) salt

• 1 tsp (5 mL) mild curry powder

• 1 tsp (5 mL) freshly grated ginger, or ½ tsp (2 mL) ground ginger

• Zest and juice of 1 lemon, divided

• 2 fist-sized red potatoes, peeled and diced (about 2 cups, or 500 mL)

• 3 cups (750 mL) vegetable broth

• 1 cup (250 mL) coconut milk

• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and chopped into ½-inch (1 cm) pieces (about 2 cups, or 500 mL) (Optional: Save a few asparagus tips for garnish—see note.)

• ½ cup (125 mL) plain Greek yogurt

• ¼ cup (60 mL) freshly chopped green onions or chives

• Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion and salt, and cook, stirring often, until golden, about 5 minutes.

2. Add curry powder (and ground ginger, if using), stirring to coat onion. Add ginger, lemon zest and potatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are browned, about 5 minutes.

3. Add broth, coconut milk, and asparagus. Bring soup to a boil. Lower heat and simmer, partially covered, until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and green onions or chives. Set aside.

5. Purée soup using an immersion blender, or in batches in a regular blender, until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Garnish with yogurt topping before serving.

Notes

To use the asparagus as garnish, save a few tips from chopped asparagus. Place in a small bowl with a small amount of water and microwave for 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can quickly blanche or steam until the asparagus is a more vibrant green and loses its "raw" taste. Let cool slightly and place on top of bowl of soup before serving.