This recipe for Asparagus Soup with Creme Fraiche and Chive Blossoms is easy to prepare, beautiful to serve and bursting with spring flavors.
I’m technically still a gardening newbie. This will be my third year of growing herbs and vegetables on the back deck and I’m still learning as I go. Since I now get so many fruits and vegetables from my weekly CSA basket, I’ve decided to focus my attention on herbs and hot peppers this year. I never know when I’m going to need them for a recipe so being able to clip a jalapeño pepper or handful of thyme leaves right from my backyard is such a luxury.Â
I always have a ton of chives. When we first moved into the new house, I was so excited to begin my garden that I accidentally planted two sets of chives. It was a very me thing to do and I still fluctuate between being amused at myself and annoyed that I always have more chives than I know what to do with. They keep growing back after winter and I don’t have the heart to get rid of one of the plants. So… expect chives to show up in a lot of my summer recipes just as they did last year. Not a terrible thing, I suppose.
The first time I saw purple flowers blooming on my chives I was so confused. I had no idea that chives are a flowering herb. It turns out that many herbs grow flowers. I also have cute little buds appearing on my thyme and basil plants. But chive blossoms are special. They’re a gorgeous shade of purple, as you can see from the photos. Any they also have a delicate chive flavor that makes them a perfect garnish for any dish where chives are appropriate.
While I’ve used them to garnish this asparagus soup, I’m well aware that not everyone reading this has access to chive blossoms. Not a problem! Regular chopped chives will work perfectly well as a garnish on this soup. But if you have the blossoms, don’t let their beauty go to waste!
Asparagus Soup with Crème Fraîche and Chive Blossoms
Ingredients
- 2 pounds asparagus
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 rib celery, diced
- 1 small clove garlic, smashed
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock, either low sodium or homemade
- leaves from 2 sprigs thyme
- 3/4 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste
- crème fraîche
- chive blossoms (regular chives may be substituted)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Cut off the tough ends of the asparagus and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. Roast the asparagus for 35 minutes. Chop coarsely and set aside.
- Add the remaining tablespoon olive oil to a large dutch oven. Sweat the onions and celery over low heat with a pinch of salt until tender, approximately 5 minutes. Add the garlic clove and asparagus and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the stock and thyme leaves. Bring the soup to a boil and then reduce to a simmer and cover the pot, leaving a small vent. Cook the soup for 45-60 minutes (the longer, the better).
- Allow the soup to cool for 5-10 minutes and then ladle into a blender. Puree the soup until very smooth. The soup will have a bit of texture from the asparagus and can be pressed through a food mill if a smoother consistency is desired.
- Return the soup to the dutch oven and stir in the cream and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve soup in a small bowl with a dollop of crème fraîche and a sprinkling of chive blossoms (or regular chopped chives).
Please read my full post for additional recipe notes, tips, and serving suggestions!
Nutrition
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Rochelle @ Oh So Sweet Baker says
Such a perfect light summer soup. Looks delicious!
Caroline says
This soup looks ridiculously delicious and those blossoms are simply gorgeous! This is so elegant, I’d love to make this for a dinner party!
Matt Robinson says
I love this Jennifer! Asparagus is a favorite of mine and this is such a perfect comfort food. So great!
Baby June says
Woah, now that is one gourmet soup. Love your photos, they are so pretty and elegant. :)
Lori says
How much is a “bunch” of asparagus. We buy it loose/individually, here.
Jennifer Farley says
Good question! I will double check next time I pick some up and modify the recipe to include a weight measurement. Check back again in a few days :)
Mary Frances says
I’ve never made soup with asparagus, but it sounds like a fancier version of broccoli and cheese which sounds INCREDIBLE. Whoa, I never knew chives had purple blossoms … they’re beautiful. Granted, at the moment, I don’t have access to fresh chives, but that will have to change!
Lauren says
This looks so beautiful and delicious! And, for the record, I think most gardeners, no matter how seasoned, find that there’s so much new to learn, since every season brings its own challenges.
Kitchen Belleicious says
breathtaking. I have never seen a soup like that before so nice and smooth. It looks fresh and clean and just beautiful
Kathryn says
I never really know what to do with chives but this is really beautiful and sounds delicious.
Laura Dembowski says
Asparagus soup is such a spring treat! I was fascinated to learn many herbs grow edible flowers but I haven’t been brave enough to try them yet.
Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health says
i love the idea of this creamy soup …and on gardening, i have tried to do the herbs thing before on my patio and it was great to clip basil and tomatoes when needed. i will be trying that again this year.
Lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain says
I have always wanted to make asparagus soup, but never have. Clearly I am missing out! Love it!
Liz@Virtually Homemade says
Chives are so wonderful and easy to grow (I don’t have much of a green thumb). I love the blossoms – so fun for garnish. Great soup!
MarthaM says
Creamed asparagus soup is great cold too! Can’t wait to make again!
Edyta @ Innocent Delight says
Asparagus is definitely one of my favorite veggies and I always was thinking about trying to make a soup. Great idea Jennifer. I will try this recipe for sure as my chive is blossoming as well :)