Asparagus Bisque
A creamy, delicate asparagus bisque with subtle white pepper and buttery richness, perfect for elegant starters or cozy dinners for vegetable lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute diced onion in 1 tablespoon butter until translucent.
- Set aside the cooked onion.
- Make a roux by melting 1/2 cup butter in a stockpot.
- Gradually add flour to the melted butter, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Slowly add 2 quarts of whole milk to the roux, stirring until thickened.
- Add the remaining milk, chicken stock, and cooked onion to the roux mixture.
- Add bay leaf, ground white pepper, and salt.
- Add asparagus and simmer for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine while cooking the onions. You can substitute half-and-half for whole milk for a creamier texture. If you prefer a lighter version, use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. Fresh asparagus is ideal, but you can also use frozen if necessary. Don't forget to stir frequently to avoid burning the roux.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the asparagus bisque with a drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of crème fraîche on top for added richness. It pairs exceptionally well with crusty bread or a light salad to balance its creamy texture. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Easy Jambalaya for a delightful combination of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bisque in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the bisque thickens too much in the fridge, you can add a little milk or stock to achieve your desired consistency when reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Asparagus Bisque contains roughly 1395 calories, with 20g protein, 203g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (117% of the Daily Value), calcium (84% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1009mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of vegetable instead of asparagus?
Yes, you can substitute asparagus with other vegetables like broccoli or green peas. Just ensure that the cooking times are similar so that the vegetables become tender without overcooking.
Is it possible to make this bisque vegan?
Absolutely! Use plant-based butter, non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk, and vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. This will keep the flavor profile similar while making it suitable for a vegan diet.
How can I thicken my bisque if it turns out too thin?
If your bisque is too thin, you can create a slurry by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water, then add it to the bisque while stirring. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens to your liking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).