If you’re looking for a tasty dish, let me tell you about this Asparagus Soup with Crispy Ham. It’s the kind of recipe that warms you up from the inside out, especially when spring starts to bloom.
Converts leftover ham into a comforting, quick lunch, cuts meal prep time, reduces waste, and provides a creamy option for veggie lovers and meat lovers.
I often find myself with leftover asparagus from other meals, and I never know what to do with it. This soup is a simple solution that not only uses up those scraps but also makes them shine. You wouldn’t believe how satisfying it feels to turn something that might go to waste into a delicious meal!
The great thing about this soup is how quick it comes together. You’ll need about 20 minutes to prep and another 20 to cook, so you’re looking at a total time of 40 minutes from start to finish. Plus, it’s creamy and rich, thanks to the added ham and just a little bit of cream.
If you love making things from scratch, or if you’re just in need of a quick and yummy soup, this is it. If you want to try something sweet too, you might enjoy making my Ham and Green Pea Soup!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Creamy Texture: The soup’s silky, buttery base makes it incredibly comforting. It’s that kind of warmth in a bowl you crave after a long day.
- Crispy Ham Boost: The addition of crispy parma ham adds a delightful crunch, giving each spoonful a great contrast to the creamy soup.
- Quick Prep: With just 20 minutes of prep and another 20 to cook, you can whip up a delicious meal without missing a beat on a busy night.
- Storage Friendly: It keeps well in the fridge for a few days, so you can make it ahead and enjoy it for lunch or dinner later in the week.
Creamy Asparagus Soup with Ham
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cool Time: 0
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Unknown
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy ham and asparagus soup, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 500 grams white asparagus, trimmed and chopped
- 600 ml vegetable broth
- 30 grams butter
- 30 grams flour
- 1 leek, sliced into rings
- dash of double cream
- 4 slices parma ham
- small bunch of chives, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Ham: Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and adding the parma ham. Cook it until it becomes crispy and golden brown, which should take just a few minutes. The aroma of the sizzling ham will fill your kitchen. Keep an eye on it, as too much heat can burn the ham quickly.
- Sauté Onions & Garlic: Once the ham is crispy, set it aside and toss in some chopped onions and garlic into the same skillet. Sauté them until they soften and become fragrant, which usually takes a few minutes. Be careful not to let the garlic brown too much, as that can turn it bitter.
- Add Asparagus & Broth: Stir in the chopped asparagus with the sautéed mixture, and pour in the vegetable broth. Let it all come to a gentle simmer. The bright green of the asparagus will contrast beautifully with the rest of the ingredients. Simmering helps to fully release the flavors.
- Blend Until Smooth: Carefully blend the soup until it is smooth and creamy using an immersion blender. Ensure the soup feels velvety, adding richness to each spoonful. Be cautious with hot liquids; if using a traditional blender, let it cool slightly before blending in batches.
- Season & Serve: Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Once it is seasoned to your liking, ladle it into bowls and top with the crispy ham you made earlier. Serve immediately, as it is at its best when hot!
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
- Expert Tips: If the soup is too thin, mix in a little more flour gradually until the desired consistency is reached.
- Should your asparagus not be tender after boiling, ensure you have cooked them for at least 20 minutes.
- For additional flavor, consider adjusting the seasoning with a pinch of salt or fresh herbs.
- A dash of double cream can significantly enhance the soup’s creaminess.
- Save tough asparagus ends to make a flavorful broth for future soups.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- Serving Suggestions: This soup pairs well with crusty artisan bread or cheese sticks. Garnish with chopped chives for a fresh touch.
- Recipe Variations: For a vegan version, substitute double cream with coconut cream and butter with coconut oil. Use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth if desired.
- Ingredient Notes: Select fresh white asparagus for the best flavor. When choosing, look for firm stalks with closed tips.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 188
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 926mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 24mg
Recipe Tips
- If the soup’s too thin, try mixing in a little more flour gradually until the desired consistency is reached.
- When your asparagus isn’t tender after boiling, make sure to cook them for at least 20 minutes to soften properly.
- If you’re looking for more flavor, consider adjusting the seasoning with a pinch of salt or some fresh herbs.
- For a rich texture, remember that a touch of double cream can make a significant difference in the soup’s creaminess.
- If you have tough asparagus ends, set them aside; they can easily be simmered to create a tasty broth for future soups.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the creamy asparagus soup with crispy ham alongside crusty artisan bread for a satisfying meal. Pair it with a poached egg for added protein, or sprinkle grated parmesan for an extra touch of flavor.
This soup also works well as a base for other dishes like a savory vegetable risotto or a hearty pasta dish. Incorporate it into recipes like a light spring casserole or serve it chilled as a refreshing appetizer.
Finish the soup with a drizzle of olive oil or a touch of fresh herbs for a bright accent. A splash of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of black pepper can add depth to each serving.
Recipe variations
- You can use green asparagus instead of white asparagus for a different flavor profile in your soup.
- Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley to brighten the taste; try 2 tablespoons of chopped herbs.
- Either top your soup with toasted nuts for added crunch or sprinkle with crispy bacon bits for extra flavor.
- If you want to serve more people, scale up by doubling the ingredients to serve 8, adjusting broth to 1.2 liters.
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How to Store?
To keep your asparagus soup with crispy ham fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Seal the soup in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating: Heat the soup on the stove or in the microwave until warm throughout before serving.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Mixed Berry Caprese Orzo Salad
- Grilled Summer Vegetable Orzo Salad with Peaches
- Southwest Orzo Salad
- Mexican Street Corn Orzo Pasta Salad
If you enjoyed this Asparagus Soup with Crispy Ham or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
