White Bean Cream of Asparagus Soup

White Bean Cream of Asparagus Soup

Puréed white beans lend a little more boldness and depth of flavor than one would ordinarily find in a cream of asparagus soup, but at the same time take nothing away from the simplicity and elegance of this summer classic. Best of all, the added nourishment means that this doesn't have to be just a starter soup but can be served as a delightful light summer lunch by itself.


White Bean Cream of Asparagus Soup White Bean Cream of Asparagus Soup
Recipe by
Published on July 19, 2009

A simple, elegant and nourishing cream of asparagus soup with puréed white beans forming the cream base to add extra depth of flavor and nourishment — vegan-friendly

Preparation: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Print this recipePrint this recipe

Ingredients:
  • 2/3 cup dried cannellini (white kidney) beans
  • 3 cups water
  • 2 cups vegetable stock
  • 1 lb (450 g) asparagus
  • 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • small handful fresh parsley, chopped
  • juice from 1/2 lemon (1 1/2 tablespoons)
  • zest from 1/2 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
  • fresh ground black pepper
  • fresh chives, chopped
Instructions:
  • Rinse the beans and soak for 8 hours or overnight covered in several inches of cold water. Drain and rinse, then add to a medium saucepan, pour in 3 cups of fresh water and the vegetable stock, and bring to a boil. Immediately reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until the beans are soft.

  • Meanwhile, snap off the woody ends of the asparagus, chop into rough pieces, and set aside.

  • Once the beans are cooked, heat the butter or oil in a large saucepan or soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 10 minutes. Toss in the asparagus, stir once, then add the parsley and lemon zest. Pour in the beans along with their broth and the lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until the asparagus is tender, about 5 minutes. Using tongs, remove a handful of the asparagus tips and set aside.

  • Purée the soup with a hand blender or in a countertop blender until smooth. Season with salt and plenty of fresh ground black pepper.

  • Serve hot or warm garnished with the asparagus tips and a sprinkling of fresh chopped chives.

Makes 4 servings

White Bean Cream of Asparagus Soup

Other recipes you may enjoy:
Cream of Potato and Turnip Soup
Farfalle Pasta with Cannellini Beans and Asparagus in a White Mushroom Yogurt Sauce
Wild Rice and Asparagus Salad

17 comments:

Johanna GGG said...

sounds delicious - I will be saving this idea for spring when asparagus is in season!

iRaw said...

This recipe sounds awesome and your soup looks scrumptious! Such a nice color too.

Anonymous said...

Fantastic recipe to try..thanks

Suparna said...

Hi Lisa,
The soup looks so creamy and yummm...rains are here and it seems a perfect time for soups!!
Beautiful recipe and snaps to match it!!
Enjoy!!

Ivy said...

I love asparagus, the only problem they are hard to find. The soup sounds perfect.

Astra Libris said...

Such a fantastic idea!!! I love the addition of the beans! You are a genius! We make asparagus soup quite frequently, and I'm always searching for new asparagus soup recipes - I can't wait to fix yours! Thank you for the gorgeous recipe...

Parita said...

Asparagus and beans sound delicious Lisa, soup looks hearty and fulfilling perfect for dinnertime :)

Cilantro said...

The pureed beans add thickness to the soup,Looks delicious. Lovely clicks.

Shri said...

Beautiful!Loved the combination of Asparagus and beans.Asparagus tossed in herbs and lime juice and baked is the only way I ever had Asparagus...

Pooja said...

Wow looks so good! What a healthy soup with beans n asparagus!

chef and her kitchen said...

Thats a real healthy soup...will give a try sometime..

Indian Khana said...

Nice, healthy soup...looks gud

Vidya said...

Lovely and hearty soup. I'll be keeping white beans in mind when I make asparagus soup next time. My daughter loooves anything and everything with asparagus.

TBC said...

I like the addition of beans to the asparagus in this soup- makes it wholesome, hearty and filling.

eatme_delicious said...

Mmm I love white beans in soup!

Anonymous said...

sounds really gud.. the colour and texture seems nice.

niki said...

Can't decide on dinner tonight so making this. I have tried not to waste food so I will use up the soaked butterbeans (I couldn't make up my mind what to do with them :-) I am sure they will taste good in this recipe. x niki