Cream of Asparagus and Mushroom Soup

Ingredients and Weight:

• 200g fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 200g white mushrooms, wiped clean and sliced
• 1 liter vegetable stock or chicken stock
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose cream
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large pot, bring the vegetable or chicken stock to a boil.
2. Add the asparagus pieces and reduce heat to medium. Simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms and continue to cook for another 10 minutes.
4. Strain the soup through a fine sieve into a clean pot, pressing on the vegetables to extract all the juices.
5. Return the soup to the pot and add the heavy cream, all-purpose cream, butter, salt, and white pepper. Mix well.
6. Bring the soup to a gentle boil and let it cook for another 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
7. Serve in warmed bowls and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper and chopped parsley (if using).

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 total servings) Calories: 250kcal Fat: 18g Carbohydrates: 12g Protein: 8g Fiber: 3g (Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

Dish Characteristics:

• Creamy and rich taste due to the combination of heavy cream and all-purpose cream.
• Earthy flavor from the mushrooms and fresh asparagus.
• Comforting and satisfying for colder weather or as a luxurious starter.

User Comments:

1. "This soup was amazing! The combination of asparagus and mushrooms was delicious, and the creamy texture was so smooth." - John Doe, New York.
2. "The flavor was rich and robust. This dish was a perfect blend of creamy texture and mushroom flavors." - Jane Smith, California.
3. "The dish was truly a luxurious treat. The asparagus gave it a freshness that balanced out the richness of the cream." - Michael Johnson, Texas.

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use fresh asparagus and mushrooms for best flavor. If not available, frozen varieties can be used but may affect flavor slightly.
• Adjust seasoning according to personal preference. Some may prefer more salt or pepper.
• For a vegetarian version, use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.