Creamy Asparagus Soup Recipe with Lemon and Dill
Creamy Asparagus Soup Recipe with Lemon and Dill is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 165 calories per serving. Recipe by Great Lakes Country on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 1 hr
Cost: $8.50 total, $2.13 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Fresh Asparagus (trim woody ends, cut into 1.5‑inch pieces; reserve tips for garnish)
- 0.5 medium onion Yellow Onion (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (for sautéing)
- 2 teaspoons Kosher Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 quart Chicken Broth (low‑sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 0.5 teaspoon Dried Dill Weed
- 0.5 cup Heavy Cream (adds richness; stir in at end)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Chives (chopped, for garnish)
- 0.25 cup Blanched Asparagus Tips (reserved from trimming; blanched for garnish)
Instructions
Trim and Prepare Asparagus
Snap off the woody ends of each spear using the bend test, set aside the tender tips for garnish, then cut the remaining spears into 1.5‑inch pieces.
Time: PT5M
Chop Aromatics
Finely chop half of a medium yellow onion and mince the garlic cloves.
Time: PT3M
Melt Butter
Add 2 Tbsp unsalted butter to the stockpot and melt over medium‑high heat.
Time: PT2M
Sauté Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, asparagus pieces, 2 tsp kosher salt and 1 tsp black pepper to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
Time: PT1M
Add Broth and Bring to Simmer
Pour in 1 quart chicken broth, increase heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Time: PT5M
Simmer Soup
Let the soup simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Time: PT15M
Blanch Asparagus Tips
While the soup simmers, bring a small pot of water to a boil, add the reserved asparagus tips, blanch for 1 minute, then transfer immediately to an ice‑water bath for another minute. Drain and set aside.
Time: PT3M
Season with Lemon and Dill
Stir 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice and ½ tsp dried dill weed into the simmered soup.
Time: PT1M
Puree the Soup
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup directly in the pot until completely smooth, about 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Finish with Cream
Stir in ½ cup heavy cream and heat gently for 2 minutes until the soup is hot but not boiling.
Time: PT2M
Serve and Garnish
Ladle soup into bowls or coffee mugs, garnish with a pinch of cracked black pepper, chopped chives, and a few blanched asparagus tips.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 165
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 10 g
- Fat
- 10 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, Contains dairy, Contains meat broth
Allergens: Dairy, Chicken
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Fresh Asparagus: Broccolini, Green beans
- Instead of Yellow Onion: White onion, Shallot
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Olive oil, Margarine
- Instead of Kosher Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth
- Instead of Lemon Juice: Lime juice
- Instead of Dried Dill Weed: Fresh dill (1 tsp)
- Instead of Heavy Cream: Half‑and‑half, Coconut cream
- Instead of Fresh Chives: Green onions
Equipment Needed
- Medium‑Sized Stockpot
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Spoons
- Immersion Blender
- Small Pot for Blanching
- Ice Bath Bowl
- Ladle (optional)
- Soup Bowls or Coffee Mugs (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Trimming and cutting asparagus correctly
- Blanching asparagus tips to retain color and texture
- Pureeing the soup to a completely smooth consistency
- Adding heavy cream without boiling
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use the freshest, thin‑stalk asparagus for the best flavor and color.
- Blanching the tips in ice water locks in their bright green hue and crisp texture.
- If you don’t have an immersion blender, blend the soup in batches in a countertop blender—vent the lid to avoid steam pressure.
Troubleshooting
Soup is too thin
Simmer uncovered a few more minutes to reduce, or stir in an extra tablespoon of heavy cream.
Soup is too thick
Add additional chicken broth or water, ¼ cup at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Bitter after adding dill
Reduce the dill to ¼ tsp or add a pinch more lemon juice to balance the flavor.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer‑safe containers for up to 2 months; thaw in refrigerator before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Soup can be prepared a day ahead; refrigerate and gently reheat, adding a splash of broth if it thickens.
- Add the heavy cream just before serving to keep the texture silky.
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 spring harvest season, especially in the Midwest where fresh asparagus is abundant. It is often served as a light starter at family gatherings and farm‑to‑table restaurants, celebrating the vegetable’s delicate flavor.
What are traditional regional variations of asparagus soup in the United States?
In the Pacific Northwest, chefs often add smoked salmon for a richer profile, while in the South a touch of Cajun seasoning is common. Some Midwestern versions incorporate potatoes for extra body, but the classic Great Lakes style keeps it thin, creamy, and bright with lemon and dill.
How is asparagus soup traditionally served in the Great Lakes region?
It is typically served in small bowls or coffee mugs, garnished with blanched asparagus tips, fresh chives, and a crack of black pepper. The soup is enjoyed warm as a starter or light lunch during the spring months.
What occasions or celebrations is asparagus soup associated with in American culture?
Asparagus soup is a popular dish for Easter brunches, spring garden parties, and farm‑to‑table dinner events that highlight seasonal produce from the Great Lakes area.
What makes this creamy asparagus soup special compared to other vegetable soups?
The combination of a bright lemon note, aromatic dill, and a splash of heavy cream creates a light yet velvety texture that lets the natural asparagus flavor shine without being heavy.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making creamy asparagus soup?
Over‑cooking the asparagus tips makes them mushy, forgetting to shock them in ice water loses their color, and boiling the soup after adding cream can cause curdling. Follow the blanching step and add cream at the end over low heat.
Why does this recipe use an immersion blender instead of a countertop blender?
An immersion blender allows you to puree the soup directly in the pot, saving time and reducing the need to transfer hot liquid, which can be hazardous. It also gives better control over texture.
Can I make this asparagus soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the soup can be made a day ahead. Cool it quickly, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days, and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens. Add the heavy cream and garnish just before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when pureeing the soup?
The soup should be completely smooth with no visible asparagus pieces, and it should have a pale green‑gold hue. It should coat the back of a spoon and flow easily when poured.
How do I know when the asparagus soup is done cooking?
The asparagus should be tender when pierced with a fork, the flavors should be well‑combined after the 15‑minute simmer, and the soup should be hot (around 165‑170°F) before stirring in the cream.
What does the YouTube channel Great Lakes Country specialize in?
The YouTube channel Great Lakes Country focuses on wholesome, seasonal American recipes, especially soups, stews, and comfort foods that highlight ingredients from the Great Lakes region.
How does the YouTube channel Great Lakes Country's approach to soup making differ from other cooking channels?
Great Lakes Country emphasizes simple, farm‑fresh ingredients, step‑by‑step explanations, and practical tips like blanching vegetables for color retention, making their soup tutorials especially accessible for home cooks.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
