Broccoli Asparagus Soup: Delicious Lunch Idea
Easter and spring are quickly making their way. And what better way to welcome your guests for lunch or Easter dinner than with a warm hug? And yes, I am talking about this delicious broccoli asparagus soup recipe. The perfect combo of greens, spice and tanginess that will keep you asking for more!
If you want to eat more seasonally, this asparagus broccoli soup will be the perfect meal to add to your weekly schedule during spring. Or grab some frozen veggies and keep having this delicious soup all year round, no judging!
I made this on a whim and let me tell you, I am not the biggest soup fan, but this literally made me ask for seconds! I was in charge of lunch and we decided to make soup. I usually cook on a whim, a bit of this and that. But I kept measurements because this broccoli asparagus soup received even compliments!
What is broccoli? Is it good for you?
Broccoli is a green edible plant in the cabbage family, also known as the Brassicaceae family. This vegetable is closely related to brussel sprouts, kale and cauliflower. Characteristics are the head of green florets, stalk and dark green leaves. Broccoli can be eaten cooked or raw.
Broccoli plants are well known for being:
- rich in antioxidants;
- rich in vitamin K1, vitamin C and vitamin B9;
- rich in potassium, iron, folate, plant compounds and manganese;
- may help prevent cancer;
- may help lower cholesterol and boost eye health. (Healthline – Wikipedia)
What are asparagus? Are they good for you?
The second main ingredient of this creamy broccoli asparagus soup is asparagus. Asparagus are a perennial edible flowering plant that is native to Eurasia. Asparagus come in plenty of colours, from green to white and purple.
Asparagus are well known for being:
- rich in vitamins A, C and K;
- high in folate;
- good source of antioxidants;
- can improve digestive health;
- low in calories;
- may help reduce your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. (Healthline – Wikipedia)
What ingredients do I need for this broccoli asparagus soup?
This asparagus broccoli soup has few ingredients and most of them are pantry items. You will need:
- onion: you will need one to start your soup;
- olive oil: you will use it to create the base of the soup with the onion;
- garlic cloves: they always add a kick and some flavour to vegetables that is irresistible;
- veggie broth: it will collate all your flavours together;
- green asparagus: you can use fresh or frozen ones. We went for frozen only for convenience and because it was done in advance and not yet in season;
- broccoli florets: you can use the whole broccoli, either raw or frozen ones;
- lemon juice: this will add a tanginess, that goes well with asparagus;
- veggie broth powder: I like to add this to crisp up the onions;
- chilli powder: I like to add a bit of a kick to soups, but you can omit this if you are not a fan or if you are serving kids too;
- salt: I only add this and not freshly ground black pepper, but that’s a personal take.
Can I substitute anything in this asparagus broccoli soup?
The main substitutes in this broccoli asparagus soup can be:
- green asparagus: you can also use white ones or even purple ones. This will give you a different result in both flavour and colour. White asparagus tends to be more delicate and sweeter, while green asparagus has a more grassy flavour to it;
- broccoli: you can use the whole broccoli, including stalks and leaves. Or you could also use cabbage or cauliflower;
- veggie broth: you can replace vegetable one with beef broth, miso paste or even water.
How do I make this simple broccoli asparagus soup?
Begin by slicing thinly your onion and garlic cloves. Prepare your asparagus by cutting some of the tips and keeping them on the side to blanch later for garnish. Take off an inch of the end and set aside. You could also take off the skin, but green asparagus are fine to eat as they are.
Proceed by cutting your broccoli if you are working with a whole one. Following the shape of your broccoli, cut the florets and with a potato peeler or knife, get rid of the skin on the stalk and cut in smaller chunks.
In a large saucepan, over medium heat, add some olive oil, the onion and garlic cloves. Let them sautee for five minutes and then add the veggie broth powder, salt and chilli flakes.
Stir the mixture, so that the ingredients are well combined. Next, add your asparagus first and let them cook for a couple of minutes. Add then your broccoli and stir your veggies so that they combine with the rest.
Add your lemon juice and veggie broth to the saucepan and let it cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. At this point, you will be almost done. Prepare any garnish you need, like blanching your asparagus or grating your cheese.
When the soup has finished cooking, your vegetables will be tender and you will be ready to blend it. Use an immersion blender and blend everything until you can’t see more vegetables. This is optional, you can also keep the soup as it is. Blending it though will make it more creamy and easy to eat. Garnish and serve!
What can I garnish this healthy broccoli asparagus soup with?
For this soup, we went very simple when garnishing, but you could add anything that you prefer:
- heavy cream: a drizzle of fresh cream on top can add some freshness and pairs well with soups;
- asparagus tips: keep some tips on the side and blanch them just before serving, they will add a nice crunch to your soup;
- croutons: simple ones or seasoned, they can add depth and texture to your broccoli asparagus soup;
- olive oil: a drizzle of it on top can be the simplest of garnishes;
- nuts or seeds: I love to add some nuts or seeds to soup, like walnuts, pumpkin seeds or cashews;
- ground black pepper: a pinch of pepper can be another simple garnish idea, better paired with cream;
- grated cheese: sprinkle some grated Parmesan, cheddar, or Gruyere cheese on top for extra creaminess and flavour;
- herbs: fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill can brighten up the soup with their vibrant colors and refreshing taste;
- lemon zest: adds a pop of citrusy freshness to the soup;
- sour cream or yoghurt: a dollop of sour cream or Greek yoghurt can add creaminess and tanginess to the soup;
- crispy shallots or onions: thinly sliced shallots or onions fried until crispy make a delicious and crunchy topping.
What can I pair this asparagus broccoli soup with?
I love to go simple when having this soup and have it on its own or with bread, but it can call for a lot of parings too:
- crusty bread: Serve the soup with slices of crusty bread like this simple artisan no knead bread, a cottage loaf or a baguette;
- focaccia: another perfect pair. Rosemary pairs well with broccoli and asparagus, so a simple rosemary focaccia can work wonders;
- sandwich: try a grilled cheese sandwich with sharp cheddar or Gruyere cheese, or make one using dairy-free cheese;
- garlic bread: I know it might sound like too much, but garlic pairs well with both vegetables and it would be the perfect side to your soup.
Is this soup a good recipe for holiday lunches and dinners?
It is indeed! It was born on a whim for a Sunday lunch with frozen asparagus and broccoli. But it was such a good hit that we will replicate this for Easter lunch and whenever we have guests.
It’s such an easy recipe, that all you have to do is mostly wait while it cooks and then blend. Garnish and you are ready to serve! In less than forty minutes you have a delicious asparagus broccoli soup to welcome your guests.
Broccoli Asparagus Soup
Ingredients
Asparagus broccoli soup:
- 1 onion
- olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 L veggie broth
- 300 g green asparagus
- 400 g broccoli florets or an entire one
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp veggie broth powder
- 1 tsp chilli powder
- 1 tsp salt
Garnish:
- asparagus tips
- fresh cream
- grated parmesan
Instructions
- Begin by slicing thinly your onion and garlic cloves.
- Prepare your asparagus by cutting some of the tips and keeping them on the side to blanch later for garnish. Take off an inch of the end and set aside. *
- Proceed by cutting your broccoli if you are working with a whole one. Following the shape of your broccoli, cut the florets and with a potato peeler or knife, get rid of the skin on the stalk and cut in smaller chunks.
- In a large saucepan, over low-medium heat, add some olive oil, the onion and garlic cloves.
- Let them sautee for five minutes and then add the veggie broth powder, salt and chilli flakes.
- Stir the mixture, so that the ingredients are well combined.
- Add the green asparagus and let them cook for a couple of minutes.
- Add the broccoli and stir your veggies to combine with the rest.
- Add lemon juice and veggie broth to the saucepan and cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- When the soup is done cooking, your vegetables will be tender and you will be ready to blend it.
- Blend until all the vegetables have disappeared. **
- Garnish and serve!
Notes
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Have you ever tried broccoli asparagus soup? Do you like soup? Would you add soup to your own Easter lunch or dinner menu? Let us know in the comments!
PIN THIS BROCCOLI ASPARAGUS SOUP RECIPE FOR LATER!
Tried this today – fabulous!! Thank you.
So glad you loved it Paul! Thank you for trying it and for commenting back 🙂