This dairy-free asparagus soup is perfect during asparagus season – or whenever you can get your hands on some fresh asparagus. It’s easy to make, nutritious, and flavorful. This soup also happens to be gluten free and paleo diet friendly.
What to serve with this dairy-free asparagus soup
This vegan whole wheat bread would be delicious dunked in this soup. It’s easy to make and much less messy than most homemade bread recipes.
Ingredients and substitutions
Fresh asparagus works best in this soup, but you can substitute frozen asparagus if you prefer.
Fresh turnip adds a thick, velvety consistency to this dairy-free asparagus soup. Turnip also adds a subtle hint of sweetness to the soup which complements the asparagus nicely.
Another key ingredient in this vegan asparagus soup is nutritional yeast, which adds a depth of flavor that tastes similar to cheese and gives this soup a big flavor boost. Nutritional yeast is commonly used in vegan cooking to achieve a “cheesy” flavor without using dairy products.
I opted to use water as the base for this vegan cream of asparagus soup, because I felt the flavors of the asparagus, turnip, onion and nutritional yeast were strong enough and the soup turned out quite delicious without having to use a broth base.
For an even more flavorful soup, feel free to substitute vegetable broth instead of water. And for an even creamier soup, you can use coconut milk or any other type of plant-based milk instead of water. Just be sure to cut back on the salt if you opt to use a vegetable broth which contains sodium.
How to make it
This soup recipe is quick and easy to make. Start by sautéing the onions in some olive oil (or substitute your preferred oil). Once the onions are cooked, add the turnip, asparagus, and water, then cook, covered, for about 25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
Once the veggies are cooked, feel free to remove a few asparagus tips to use as a garnish. Then you’ll add the nutritional yeast, salt, pepper, and blend everything together.
My preferred method of blending soups is with an immersion blender. I love how easy it is to just blend everything directly in the pot. If you don’t have an immersion blender you can transfer this soup in batches to a regular blender instead.
Storage and freezing
Store this dairy-free asparagus soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze it for up to six months.
More dairy-free soup recipes
- For another yummy vegan soup recipe, try this paleo butternut squash soup.
- This gluten free, vegan mushroom soup with cashews is perfect when you’re craving comfort food.
- Or try this vegan cream of cauliflower soup. It’s hearty, filling, and so delicious.
Dairy-Free Asparagus Soup
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
- 6 cups water (or substitute vegetable broth or coconut milk)
- 5 cups chopped fresh asparagus
- 2 cups chopped onion
- 2 cups peeled and chopped turnip
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Add the extra virgin olive oil and onions to a large pot and sauté until the onions are tender.
- Add the turnip, asparagus, and water and cook on low-medium heat, covered, until the vegetables are tender (approximately 25 minutes).
- At this point you can remove a few asparagus tips from the pot and reserve them to use as a garnish if you wish.
- Add the nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper.
- Use an immersion blender to purée the soup to a smooth consistency (or transfer the soup to a regular blender and blend until smooth).
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Store this dairy-free asparagus soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze it for up to six months.