This creamy tahini and lemon-asparagus soup is fresh and bright, perfect for a light meal. The tahini adds a nutty flavor while the lemon gives it a zesty kick!
You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up this soup! Just blend everything together and enjoy. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, and you might just want to have it for every meal! 🥣
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus is key here for its crunchy texture and vibrant flavor. If it’s out of season, try using green beans or snap peas instead. They can give a similar fresh taste!
Tahini: This sesame paste adds a creamy consistency and nutty flavor. If tahini is unavailable or you’re looking for a nut-free option, consider using sunflower seed butter. It’s a great alternative!
Lemon: The lemon juice and zest brighten the flavor of the soup. If a lemon isn’t handy, lime is a good substitute, or you can use a splash of vinegar for acidity, though it won’t have quite the same profile.
Vegetable Broth: Homemade broth is lovely, but store-bought works too. If you want a heartier flavor, consider using chicken broth for a non-vegetarian version.
How Can You Blend the Soup Smoothly?
Blending for a creamy texture is crucial! An immersion blender makes it easy, but if you’re using a stand blender, ensure you don’t overfill it. Here’s how:
- Let the soup cool slightly before transferring to the blender—hot liquids can splatter!
- Blend in small batches if using a stand blender, filling it halfway. Hold a kitchen towel over the lid for extra safety.
- Once blended, return the soup to the pot for the final mix with tahini, lemon juice, and seasoning.
With these tips, you’ll have a smooth and creamy soup that’s simply delightful!
How to Make Creamy Tahini and Lemon-Asparagus Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb (450g) fresh asparagus, trimmed (reserve some tips for garnish)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp tahini
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- 4 cups (1 liter) vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley, microgreens, or fennel fronds)
- Optional: thinly sliced lemon peel or zest for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to cook. So, in total, you should set aside about 30-35 minutes to enjoy a warm bowl of this creamy goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Saute the Onions and Garlic:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add in the diced onion. Cook it for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until you smell that delicious garlic aroma.
2. Cook the Asparagus:
Next, add the trimmed asparagus stalks to the pot, reserving some of the tips for later. Sauté the asparagus for about 3-4 minutes. This will help enhance their flavor before adding the broth.
3. Add Broth and Simmer:
Now, pour in the vegetable broth and bring everything to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes or until the asparagus is tender. This is the time when all the flavors get cozy together!
4. Blend Until Smooth:
After the asparagus is tender, remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it becomes nice and smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in small batches and blend until creamy.
5. Add Flavor Boosters:
Once blended, stir in the tahini, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix everything together well and season it with salt and pepper to your taste. Give it a quick taste test and adjust the seasoning if necessary!
6. Prepare the Garnish:
In a small pan, lightly steam or blanch the reserved asparagus tips until they are tender but still bright green, about 2 minutes. This will give your soup a lovely presentation.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup warm in bowls, and top each with a few asparagus tips, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and optional thin slices of lemon peel or zest for an extra zing. Your creamy tahini and lemon-asparagus soup is ready to enjoy!
This soup is a delightful blend of creamy tahini, fresh lemon, and tender asparagus, making it a perfect warm dish full of flavor. Enjoy every spoonful!
Can I Use Frozen Asparagus for This Soup?
Yes, you can use frozen asparagus! Just make sure to thaw it before cooking to ensure even blending. You might want to reduce the cooking time slightly since frozen vegetables can become tender faster.
How Should I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much!
Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegan since it uses tahini and vegetable broth. Just ensure your vegetable broth is certified vegan, and you’re all set!
What Can I Use Instead of Tahini?
If you don’t have tahini on hand, you can substitute it with sunflower seed butter or a creamy nut butter like almond butter, keeping in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor. You could also try a mix of blenderized cashews with a bit of water for a creamy consistency.
