Description
This Spring Asparagus and Potato Chowder is a creamy, comforting soup filled with fresh seasonal vegetables like asparagus, peas, and potatoes. Perfect for spring, it’s both hearty and light, making it ideal for lunch or dinner during the transition months. The combination of lightly caramelized alliums and fresh herbs creates a savory base, while the addition of cream gives it a velvety texture.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tbsp olive oil: for sautéing and adding richness
- 2 leeks (white and light green parts), thinly sliced: mild onion flavor
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced: aromatic base
- 1 large shallot, thinly sliced: adds depth and sweetness
- 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced: enhances savory flavor
- Kosher salt, to taste: balances flavor
- Black pepper, to taste: adds a mild kick
- 1 pinch sugar: helps caramelize the alliums
- 5 cups vegetable broth: liquid base of the soup
- 1 lb yellow potatoes, peeled and diced: adds body and creaminess
- 1 lb asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces: seasonal vegetable highlight
- 1 cup peas: adds color and natural sweetness
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: makes the soup rich and smooth
- 1 bunch fresh dill, minced (use 3/4 for cooking, 1/4 for garnish): brings fresh, herbal notes
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-low heat.
- Add leeks, onion, shallot, and garlic. Season with salt and a pinch of sugar.
- Reduce heat to low and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly caramelized.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, then add diced potatoes, asparagus, and peas.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered until potatoes are tender.
- Gently mash some potatoes against the side of the pot to thicken the soup naturally.
- Stir in the heavy cream and season with more salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in 3/4 of the fresh dill and mix well.
- Serve warm, garnished with remaining dill.
Notes
- Use frozen peas if fresh are not available—no need to thaw.
- For a vegan version, replace heavy cream with cashew or coconut cream.
- The soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing is possible, but the texture may slightly change due to the cream.
- Mash more or fewer potatoes depending on desired thickness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 18mg