Creamy Asparagus Chowder
Creamy asparagus chowder offers a comforting blend of tender asparagus, potatoes, and aromatic herbs, enriched with cheese and milk for a hearty, flavorful soup perfect for all seasons.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup flour ⓘ
- 1 large potato, cut into 1/2-inch cubes ⓘ
- shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 4 cups milk ⓘ
- 4 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon marjoram ⓘ
- 4 cups chopped fresh asparagus, cooked and drained ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Saute chopped onions, chopped celery, and minced garlic until tender.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the cubed potato, milk, chicken broth, dried thyme, and marjoram.
- Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the potato is tender and the soup is thickened, about 20 to 30 minutes.
- Add the chopped asparagus, salt, and pepper, and heat through.
- Serve the chowder hot, topped with grated Cheddar cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine while sautéing the vegetables. If you're short on time, frozen asparagus can be a convenient substitute for fresh. You can also use half-and-half instead of milk for a creamier texture. For a gluten-free version, replace the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot, garnished with grated Cheddar cheese for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a light meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside Chicken-Mac Saute for a satisfying combination of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the chowder to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You may need to add a splash of milk to restore the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Asparagus Chowder contains roughly 1818 calories, with 25g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 161g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (131% of the Daily Value), calcium (76% of the Daily Value), and protein (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1595mg per serving (69% 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 chowder vegan?
Yes, you can create a vegan version by substituting the butter with plant-based margarine, using almond or soy milk instead of dairy milk, and opting for vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. Replace the cheese with a dairy-free alternative or simply omit it.
How can I make this chowder thicker?
If you prefer a thicker chowder, you can mash some of the cooked potato cubes before adding the asparagus. Alternatively, mix a bit of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the chowder during the last few minutes of cooking until it reaches your desired consistency.
What other vegetables can I add to this chowder?
You can easily customize this chowder by adding other vegetables like carrots, peas, or corn for extra flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure all vegetables are tender before serving.
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).