Pampered Chef Deluxe Cooking Blender! White Bean Asparagus Soup
Pampered Chef Deluxe Cooking Blender! White Bean Asparagus Soup is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 210 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef Penney's Kitchen with Penney Parkes on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 35 min
Cost: $5.50 total, $1.38 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 large Yellow Onion (peeled and roughly chopped)
- 1 lb Asparagus (trimmed, cut into 2‑inch pieces)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
- 4 cups Vegetable Broth (low‑sodium)
- 1 can Canned White Beans (15‑oz, drained and rinsed)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
Instructions
Prep the Vegetables
Peel the onion and cut it into quarters. Place the pieces in the food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Trim the woody ends off the asparagus and break the spears into 2‑inch pieces.
Time: PT5M
Sauté Onion
Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat until the oil shimmers. Add the chopped onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and just starts to caramelize, about 4‑5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium heat
Add Asparagus
Add the asparagus pieces to the pan with the onion and continue to sauté for another 3‑4 minutes, until the asparagus is bright green and just tender.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: Medium heat
Simmer with Broth
Pour 4 cups vegetable broth into the pan, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add the drained white beans, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Simmer
Blend the Soup
Transfer the entire contents (including the cooking liquid) to a blender. Blend on high until completely smooth, about 1‑2 minutes. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of extra broth or water.
Time: PT2M
Finish and Serve
Return the blended soup to the saucepan, re‑heat gently if needed, then ladle into bowls. Optional garnish: drizzle a little olive oil and sprinkle fresh cracked pepper or chopped herbs.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Low heat
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 210
- Protein
- 9 g
- Carbohydrates
- 28 g
- Fat
- 5 g
- Fiber
- 7 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free, Vegetarian
Allergens: None
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Yellow Onion: White onion, shallot
- Instead of Asparagus: Green beans, broccoli florets
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Vegetable Broth: chicken broth, water with bouillon
- Instead of Canned White Beans: cannellini beans, great northern beans
- Instead of Salt: sea salt, kosher salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
Equipment Needed
- Food Processor
- Blender
- Large Sauté Pan
- Medium Saucepan
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Ladle
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Sauté the onion until translucent but not burnt
- Blend hot soup carefully to avoid steam burns
- Season before blending to ensure flavor is balanced
Chef Tips from the Video
- For deeper flavor, roast the asparagus in the oven at 400°F for 10 minutes before adding to the soup.
- Use homemade vegetable broth if possible for a richer taste.
- Garnish with fresh chives or a drizzle of toasted almond oil for added texture.
Troubleshooting
Soup is too thick
Add additional vegetable broth or water, ¼ cup at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Soup is too thin
Stir in a handful of extra white beans or a splash of cooked quinoa, then blend again.
Flavor is bland
Season with more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice; let it simmer another 2 minutes.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer‑safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The soup can be made a day ahead; store refrigerated and reheat gently on the stove.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of asparagus soup in American cuisine?
Asparagus soup became popular in the United States during the early 20th century as a light, seasonal starter that highlighted spring vegetables. It reflects the American tradition of using fresh, locally‑available produce to create simple, elegant dishes.
What are traditional regional variations of asparagus soup in the United States?
In the Pacific Northwest, asparagus soup often incorporates local dairy, turning it into a creamy bisque. In the South, cooks may add a splash of sherry or smoked paprika for a subtle kick, while New England versions frequently feature a potato base for extra heartiness.
How is asparagus soup traditionally served in American households?
It is typically served hot as a first course, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil, fresh herbs such as chives or dill, and sometimes a sprinkle of toasted nuts. It is often paired with crusty bread or a light salad.
During which occasions is asparagus soup commonly prepared in American culture?
Asparagus soup is a popular dish for spring brunches, Easter gatherings, and dinner parties that celebrate the arrival of fresh spring produce. Its lightness makes it a favored starter for holiday meals as well.
What authentic ingredients are essential for a classic American asparagus soup?
The core ingredients are fresh asparagus, a mild onion base, vegetable or chicken broth, and a protein‑rich legume such as white beans to add body without dairy. Olive oil, salt, and pepper are the traditional seasonings.
What other American dishes pair well with asparagus soup?
Serve it alongside a mixed green salad with citrus vinaigrette, a light quinoa pilaf, or grilled salmon. For a full meal, follow with a herb‑roasted chicken or a simple pasta primavera.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making asparagus white bean soup?
Over‑cooking the onions can cause bitterness, and blending boiling hot liquid without venting can lead to steam burns. Also, adding too much broth early will result in a watery soup; adjust consistency after blending.
Why does this recipe use a food processor and blender instead of a traditional immersion blender?
The food processor quickly chops the onion into uniform pieces, while the countertop blender creates a smoother, silkier texture than most immersion blenders, especially when handling larger volumes of hot liquid.
Can I make asparagus white bean soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the soup keeps well refrigerated for up to four days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it has thickened. It also freezes well for up to two months.
What does the YouTube channel Chef Penney's Kitchen with Penney Parkes specialize in?
The YouTube channel Chef Penney's Kitchen with Penney Parkes focuses on approachable, family‑friendly recipes that emphasize fresh vegetables, quick weeknight meals, and wholesome cooking techniques for home cooks of all skill levels.
How does the YouTube channel Chef Penney's Kitchen with Penney Parkes' approach to vegetable‑forward cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Chef Penney's Kitchen with Penney Parkes highlights simple, minimal‑equipment methods and often uses a food processor for efficient prep, whereas many other channels rely on more elaborate techniques or specialty tools. Her style prioritizes flavor without unnecessary complexity.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
