Cream Of Asparagus Soup With Gruyere
Cream of asparagus soup with Gruyère offers a smooth, flavorful blend of tender asparagus and rich cheese, perfect for a light, elegant starter or comforting meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blanch the asparagus until crisp-tender, about 4 minutes.
- Rinse under cold running water and drain.
- Reserve 6 of the asparagus tips for garnish.
- Saute the remaining asparagus in butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until tender.
- Transfer the cooked asparagus to a food processor or blender and puree.
- Mix the asparagus puree and chicken stock in a saucepan.
- Heat over low heat until barely simmering.
- Season to taste with salt and freshly ground white pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together half and half, egg yolk, and grated Gruyère cheese.
- Whisk this mixture into the soup and heat just until slightly thickened and warm.
- Garnish with the reserved asparagus tips before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a touch of garlic or shallots while sautéing the asparagus. If Gruyère is unavailable, Swiss cheese or a sharp cheddar could work well as substitutes. Make sure to adjust the salt carefully, especially if using store-bought broth, as it can vary in sodium content.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy soup as a first course or light meal, accompanied by crusty bread or a fresh salad. It pairs beautifully with Tater Tot Casserole No. 2 as a comforting dinner option. For an elegant touch, sprinkle additional grated Gruyère on top just before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. If the soup thickens, add a splash of broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cream Of Asparagus Soup With Gruyere contains roughly 832 calories, with 41g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 74g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (82% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (67% of the Daily Value), and iron (61% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2078mg per serving (90% 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 make this soup vegan?
Yes, to make this soup vegan, substitute the half and half with a plant-based cream or coconut milk, and replace the egg yolk with a vegan thickener like cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a fully vegan option.
Can I freeze the cream of asparagus soup?
Freezing is not ideal for cream-based soups, as they can separate upon thawing. However, you can freeze the pureed asparagus mixture without the cream. Once thawed, reheat and stir in fresh cream or half and half before serving for the best texture.
How can I enhance the flavor of the soup?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of nutmeg to the soup just before serving. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley can also brighten the dish and add depth. For a more robust taste, try incorporating a splash of white wine while cooking the asparagus.
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).