Asparagus and Potato Soup With Ginger

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This vegan soup has a creamy, delicious texture, but doesn't contain any dairy.

Creamy ginger asparagus soup
Photo:

Rache Marek

Prep Time:
25 mins
Total Time:
55 mins
Servings:
4

Perfectly creamy and silky, this asparagus soup recipe is the definition of healthy comfort food. It's also completely dairy-free, making it ideal for vegan diets and dairy allergies. The secret is to use ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry: starchy russet potatoes and heart-healthy olive oil. Aromatics like cilantro, shallot, and ginger are blended in to punch up the flavor, and while you won't be able to taste it, baby spinach gives the soup its vibrant green color.

The result is a smooth and satisfying soup that will make the most of spring produce. Enjoy it as an appetizer or side dish—or make it a meal by mixing in cooked lentils or beans and serving it with crusty bread. You can also eat it warm or chilled, depending on the time of year.

Buying Asparagus

When buying asparagus at the grocery store, look for firm stalks with a bright green color. Avoid limp, mushy, and discolored stalks.

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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons plus ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving

  • 1 shallot, chopped

  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger

  • 1 russet potato, peeled and chopped (1 ½ cups)

  • Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper

  • 1 ½ pounds asparagus, ends trimmed, stalks chopped (3 cups)

  • 1 cup packed cilantro leaves (from about 1 large bunch)

  • 2 cups packed baby spinach

  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Directions

Creamy ginger asparagus soup ingredients

Rachel Marek

  1. Cook shallot and ginger:

    Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add shallot and ginger and cook until softened, 4 to 5 minutes.

    Creamy ginger asparagus soup onions in skillet

    Rachel Marek

  2. Add potatoes and water:

    Add potato and 4 cups water. Season with salt and pepper and simmer until potatoes are just tender, 5 to 6 minutes.

    Creamy ginger asparagus soup potatoes in pot

    Rachel Marek

  3. Add asparagus:

    Add asparagus and continue to simmer until vegetables are tender, 8 to 10 minutes more.

    Creamy ginger asparagus soup

    Rachel Marek

  4. Reserve one cup liquid; purée the rest:

    Reserve one cup liquid from pot and transfer the rest of the mixture to a blender; let cool slightly.

    Creamy ginger asparagus soup

    Rachel Marek

  5. Add cilantro and spinach and purée:

    Add cilantro and spinach to blender and purée until smooth, adding reserved broth as needed for desired consistency.

    Creamy ginger asparagus soup

    Rachel Marek

  6. Return soup to pot, season, and serve:

    Return soup to pot and stir in remaining 1/4 cup oil. Season with salt and pepper and serve warm or chilled, with a drizzle of oil, more pepper, and lemon wedges on the side.

    Creamy ginger asparagus soup

    Rachel Marek

Topping Ideas

For a boost of flavor and texture, consider serving this asparagus soup with a tasty topping, try:

  • Crushed tortilla chips or crackers
  • Croutons
  • Toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
  • Chopped bacon (for a non-vegan option)
  • Shredded Parmesan cheese (for a dairy option)
  • Plant-based or dairy yogurt
  • Chopped scallions
  • Chopped fresh herbs, like cilantro or parsley

How to Store Creamy Ginger-Asparagus Soup

To store homemade soup, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave for several minutes. Eat within three to four days.

Can You Freeze Creamy Ginger-Asparagus Soup?

Since this soup contains no dairy, it will freeze better than other creamy soups. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe airtight container. Store it in the freezer for up to three months.

Other Asparagus Recipes to Try:

Originally appeared: Martha Stewart Living, May 2020
Updated by
Kirsten Nunez
Kirsten Nunez, Freelance Writer
Kirsten Nunez is a writer who focuses on food, health, nutrition, and DIY. She has a master's degree in nutrition, and has been writing professionally for nearly 10 years for digital and print publications, such as Martha Stewart, Shape, Real Simple, Healthline, and SELF. She also creates original recipes, which have appeared on product packaging in stores.

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