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Creamy Roasted Asparagus Soup with Brown Butter and Lemon Zest

creamy roasted asparagus soup - featured image

A cozy and bright soup featuring roasted asparagus, browned butter, and fresh lemon zest for a creamy yet refreshing flavor. Perfect for spring or any day you want a comforting, easy homemade meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups (32 fl oz) vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup (4 fl oz) heavy cream
  • Zest of 1 medium lemon
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Toss the asparagus pieces with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread them out evenly in a single layer.
  2. Roast the asparagus for 15-20 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized, flipping once halfway through. The asparagus should smell nutty and look golden at the tips.
  3. While the asparagus roasts, melt the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently as it foams and then turns golden brown with a nutty aroma, about 4-5 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  4. Immediately add the diced onion to the browned butter and sauté for 5-7 minutes until translucent and soft.
  5. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly.
  6. Add the roasted asparagus to the saucepan along with the vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook gently for 10 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat and puree the soup using an immersion blender until silky smooth. If using a countertop blender, blend in batches and return to the pot.
  8. Stir in the heavy cream and lemon zest. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Reheat gently if needed but avoid boiling.
  9. Serve immediately garnished with fresh thyme or parsley and extra lemon zest if desired.

Notes

Keep a close eye on the butter when browning to avoid burning. Roast asparagus evenly without overcrowding the pan. Blend hot liquids carefully to avoid splatters. Add lemon zest at the end to preserve freshness. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil and heavy cream with coconut cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: asparagus soup, roasted asparagus, creamy soup, brown butter, lemon zest, spring soup, easy soup recipe, homemade soup