Guilt-Free Cream of Asparagus Soup

Ingredients and Weight:

• Fresh asparagus - 500 grams
• Chicken broth - 1 liter
• Heavy cream - 200 ml
• Butter - 50 grams
• Salt and pepper - to taste
• Freshly ground nutmeg - a pinch
• Garlic - 2 cloves, crushed
• White onion - 1 small, chopped
• Breadcrumbs - 50 grams (optional, for texture and thickness)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooking: 40 minutes
• Total: 60 minutes

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large pot, boil chicken broth.
2. Add the crushed garlic and chopped onion. Simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Clean and trim the asparagus, then cut into 1-inch pieces.
4. Add the asparagus pieces to the pot and continue to cook for another 20 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
6. In a blender or food processor, puree the soup mixture until smooth.
7. Return the pureed soup to the pot and add the heavy cream, butter, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
8. Heat the soup gently without boiling.
9. If desired, add breadcrumbs to increase thickness and mouthfeel. Stir well.
10. Serve hot in bowls.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 total servings)

• Calories: Approximately 250 calories per serving (depending on ingredients used)
• Fat: 16 grams
• Carbohydrates: 18 grams
• Protein: 8 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams (Based on average values; actual nutritional content may vary)

Dish Characteristics:

• Creamy and rich in flavor without being too heavy or greasy.
• Bright green color from the asparagus, appealing to the eye.
• Smooth and velvety texture, with a slight thickness from the optional breadcrumbs.
• Savory and slightly sweet from the natural sugars in asparagus and chicken broth.

User Comments:

1. "This soup is amazing! So creamy and delicious, I didn't expect it to be so healthy too."
2. "Love the combination of asparagus and cream in this soup. It's so comforting and filling."
3. "The texture of the soup is perfect, not too thick and not too thin. The flavor is really well-balanced."
4. "Great dish for a cold winter's day! The asparagus gives it a fresh taste that cuts through the richness of the cream."
5. "I made this for my family and they loved it! It's definitely a keeper."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure to use fresh asparagus for best results. If using frozen asparagus, follow package instructions for cooking time and texture.
• Adjust the seasoning according to personal preference, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
• If you want a smoother soup, pass the pureed mixture through a fine sieve to remove any fiber or pulp from the asparagus.