Asparagus basil soup

Easter is here which means spring has finally arrived- the season that offers lots of fresh greens! Time to enjoy some tasty family meals with fresh asparagus on your Easter holiday with friends. Asparagus is packed with lots of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals such as folate, iron, copper, calcium, protein, fiber, and vitamins A, C, E, K, and B6. 

Asparagus basil soup

Preparation time: 30 minutes to cook

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

5 cups water

1 bunch of asparagus (about 10 spears)

1 cup onion, chopped

2-3 cloves garlic (a bit more garlic if you prefer it)

1 tsp thyme (optional)

2 potatoes, cubed

1 bunch fresh basil, chopped

salt to taste

Instructions:

After washing the asparagus, remove the white bottom hard end with a knife. Pour the water in a large pot, add asparagus, onion, garlic, and thyme. Bring it to boil, cover the lid, and cook for about 30 minutes.Puree with blender or your food processor and return to the pot. Add the potatoes and cook until soft, for about 20 minutes more.Puree again, add basil, and simmer for 5 minutes.Add salt or black pepper according to your taste.

Tips:

Some people don't like the aroma of thyme in their food, especially kids. If you have time, try both recipes with and without thyme in smaller portions, then let your family choose which one they prefer. With basil, however, everyone usually likes its aroma, so you could use it generously in the dish, and may also have some chopped fresh basil when serving on the plate. Same thing with garlic. 

Some people prefer soups in puree, especially kids who don't want to see the vegetables in their food. In this case, use the recipe as it is above. But there are also some families who don't prefer the blended soup and would rather have the vegetables visible in their food. For this, after placing water in the pot, chop the asparagus in cubes and then add them. Cook the rest of the recipes without blending anything. 

To make your dish more nutritious and visually pleasing at the same time, especially if you have kids, add noodles or pasta to your soup and serve. Cook their favorite pasta or noodles separately, then add into your bowl of soup when serving. This is usually a good way to make children eat healthier soups and stews. 

Article updated in 15.4.2022