Tested and Perfected by Food and Wine
Food & Wine Recipe

Creamy Asparagus Soup

Contributed by
  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME: 30 MIN
  • SERVINGS: 6
  • •FAST
  • •MAKE-AHEAD

Inspiring Idea Shea Gallante purees buffalo mozzarella and a touch of the water it was packed in with olive oil to form a luxurious soup.

Quick Take Grace Parisi adds pureed ricotta to an asparagus soup brightened with a zesty scallion-pistachio pesto.

  1. 3 cups chicken stock or low-sodium broth
  2. 1 pound pencil-thin asparagus, tips reserved and stalks cut into 1-inch lengths
  3. 1/2 small onion, thinly sliced
  4. 1 pound fresh ricotta (2 cups)
  5. Salt and freshly ground white pepper
  6. 1/4 cup salted roasted pistachios
  7. 2 scallions, cut into 1/2-inch lengths
  8. 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
  9. 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  1. In a large saucepan, bring the stock to a boil. Add the asparagus tips and cook just until bright green, about 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the tips to a plate. Add the onion to the saucepan. Cover and cook over moderate heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the asparagus stalks and cook until just tender, about 3 minutes.
  2. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the onion and asparagus stalks to a blender. Add the ricotta and puree until smooth and creamy, adding a bit of the broth to loosen the puree. Return the puree to the saucepan; stir well and season with salt and white pepper. Add the reserved asparagus tips and simmer the soup until just heated through.
  3. Meanwhile, in a mini chopper, pulse the pistachios, scallions, vinegar and oil to form a coarse paste. Season with salt and white pepper. Ladle the soup into shallow bowls and swirl in a bit of the scallion-pistachio pesto.
Make Ahead The soup and pesto can be refrigerated separately for up to 2 days.