Asparagus, Lemon, and Dill Soup

Asparagus, Lemon, and Dill Soup
45 min.
20
50kcal

Suggestions

There is something undeniably refreshing about a soup that captures the bright, earthy essence of spring in every spoonful. This Asparagus, Lemon, and Dill Soup is a culinary masterpiece that transforms simple garden-fresh ingredients into a velvety, vibrant starter perfect for entertaining or a light weekday meal. With its remarkably low calorie count of just 50 kcal per serving, it offers a guilt-free way to indulge in rich, creamy textures without compromising on your dietary goals, making it an ideal choice for those seeking nutritious yet satisfying antipasti.

What truly sets this recipe apart is the clever use of egg yolks to create a luxurious, custard-like body without the need for heavy cream. By tempering the yolks with the hot broth, you achieve a silky smooth finish that coats the palate beautifully. The combination of tender asparagus spears, sweet orzo pasta, and aromatic leeks provides a perfect balance of crunch and softness, while the zesty lemon juice cuts through the richness with a burst of citrus brightness. Fresh dill adds a herbaceous note that ties all the flavors together, enhancing the natural sweetness of the vegetables.

Preparing this dish is a delightful experience that highlights the importance of quality ingredients. The process of snapping off the tough ends of the asparagus and meticulously cleaning the leeks ensures that every bite is pristine and flavorful. Whether you serve this piping hot as a comforting soup or allow it to chill for a refreshing cold appetizer, it guarantees to impress your guests with its elegant simplicity. It is a harmonious blend of colors and tastes that celebrates the best of seasonal produce, proving that light meals can be just as delightful as their heavier counterparts.

Ingredients

  • pound asparagus fresh
  • tablespoons butter 
  • rib celery finely chopped
  •  egg yolks 
  • Tbsp optional: dill fresh finely chopped
  • medium leek 
  • 0.3 cup juice of lemon 
  • small onion chopped
  • 0.5 cup orzo pasta uncooked
  • 0.8 teaspoon salt 
  • cups vegetable broth 

Equipment

  • whisk
  • dutch oven
  • peeler

Directions

  1. Snap off and discard tough ends of asparagus; remove scales with a vegetable peeler, if desired.
  2. Cut asparagus into 1-inch pieces.
  3. Remove root, tough outer leaves, and tops from leek, leaving 2 inches of dark leaves. Finely chop leek; rinse well, and drain.
  4. Melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat; add leek, celery, and onion; saut 4 to 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in broth, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 10 minutes. Stir in asparagus and orzo. Cover and simmer 10 minutes or until vegetables and orzo are tender.
  5. Whisk egg yolks until thickened and pale. Gradually stir about 2 cups hot soup mixture into yolks; add yolk mixture to remaining hot soup mixture, stirring constantly 2 to 3 minutes or until thickened. Stir in lemon juice, dill, and salt, and serve immediately, or if desired, cover and chill.

Nutrition Facts

Calories50kcal
Protein12%
Fat43.93%
Carbs44.07%

Properties

Glycemic Index
13.75
Glycemic Load
1.84
Inflammation Score
-4
Nutrition Score
3.395217374615%

Flavonoids

Eriodictyol
0.15mg
Hesperetin
0.44mg
Naringenin
0.04mg
Isorhamnetin
1.48mg
Kaempferol
0.46mg
Myricetin
0.01mg
Quercetin
3.91mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:49.94kcal
2.5%
Fat:2.53g
3.89%
Saturated Fat:1.36g
8.51%
Carbohydrates:5.7g
1.9%
Net Carbohydrates:4.96g
1.8%
Sugar:1.44g
1.6%
Cholesterol:33.67mg
11.23%
Sodium:338.84mg
14.73%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:1.55g
3.1%
Vitamin K:11.74µg
11.18%
Vitamin A:464.44IU
9.29%
Selenium:4.49µg
6.41%
Folate:20.66µg
5.17%
Manganese:0.1mg
4.93%
Iron:0.71mg
3.97%
Vitamin C:3.26mg
3.96%
Phosphorus:32.77mg
3.28%
Copper:0.06mg
3.16%
Vitamin B2:0.05mg
3.06%
Vitamin B1:0.05mg
3.05%
Fiber:0.75g
2.99%
Vitamin E:0.43mg
2.84%
Vitamin B6:0.05mg
2.58%
Potassium:74.31mg
2.12%
Magnesium:7.14mg
1.79%
Vitamin B5:0.18mg
1.76%
Zinc:0.25mg
1.68%
Vitamin B3:0.31mg
1.56%
Calcium:13.97mg
1.4%
Source:My Recipes