Creamy Asparagus Soup with Lemon & Crispy Shallots
Creamy Asparagus Soup with Lemon & Crispy Shallots
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6
Category: Soup
Author: Chef Marlene Watson Tara
Date Published: June 25, 2026
Ingredients
1 medium-sized onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 large bunches asparagus, about 2 lb, woody ends trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 umami instant stock sachet
2 cups warm water
1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp basil
1/2 tsp marjoram
1 tbsp tamari
1 cup cashews, soaked overnight
2 large handfuls spinach
3 tbsp nutritional yeast
1 tbsp lemon juice
Sliced lemon, for garnish
Crispy shallots, for garnish
Swirl of oat cream or soy cream, if desired
Description
This creamy asparagus soup is fresh, silky, and deeply satisfying. Tender asparagus is simmered with onion, garlic, herbs, tamari, and umami stock, then blended with soaked cashews, spinach, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice for a vibrant dairy-free creaminess. Serve with sliced lemon, crispy shallots, and a swirl of oat or soy cream for an elegant finish.
How-to? Steps
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Trim the woody ends off the asparagus and discard them. Cut the asparagus into one-inch pieces. Drain the soaking water from the cashews and set them aside. Mix the umami stock sachet into the warm water.
Step 2: Sauté the base
In a heavy-based pot, warm a splash or two of water over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic and cook for 5 minutes over low-medium heat.
Step 3: Simmer the asparagus
Add the asparagus pieces, umami stock, dried herbs, and tamari. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, until the asparagus is very tender.
Step 4: Blend until creamy
Transfer the soup to a high-speed blender. Add the cashews, spinach, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice, then blend until smooth. Add more water as needed to reach the desired consistency, or more spinach for a deeper green colour.
Step 5: Warm and serve
Return the soup to the pot and warm over low heat. Garnish with sliced lemon, crispy shallots, and a swirl of oat or soy cream if desired.