Simple and creamy, full of the famous white asparagus flavour, this homemade Spargelsuppe comes together in no time. Made with asparagus peels and stem chunks, this is a soup my mum loved to make- a cherished recipe from my childhood that is close to my heart.
My earliest memories of Spargel are buying fresh white asparagus stems from the farm, peeling them at home, and cooking them with my family.
German Spargel
In Germany, asparagus (Spargel) is not just a healthy and nutritious vegetable-it's a cult, a symbol of tradition, and a seasonal culinary highlight.
The asparagus season in Germany is very short. It begins in March or April and traditionally ends on St. John's Day (24th June).
German white asparagus soup is called Spargelsuppe. Cream of asparagus soup, like this recipe, is known as Spargelcremesuppe.
Where to Spargel in the UK and US
Although white asparagus is widely grown in Western Europe, it's not as popular in the UK or US. However, I've found a few online retailers who will deliver it to you:
- UK- The German Deli
- US- Regalis
How to make White Asparagus Soup
Key Ingredients
(check out the printable recipe card below for the exact quantities)
- White asparagus - The beauty of this soup is that the asparagus doesn't need to be perfect. You can use thinner stalks or even broken or crooked stems (sold at German market stalls) which are ideal and more affordable.
- Sugar - Balances out the bitterness of the asparagus.
- Oil & flour - Used to create a roux. You can substitute oil with butter, but oil helps maintain the soup's white colour.
- Lemon juice - Helps preserve the soup's bright white appearance.
- Egg yolk
- Whipping cream / heavy cream
Recipe Steps
- Peel the asparagus (don't discard the peel). Chop off the woody ends, then cut the rest of the stem into 2 cm chunks.
- Make the broth: Place the peel in a pot of water along with sugar, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Boil for 20 minutes.
- Add asparagus chunks to the broth and boil for another 20 minutes.
- Strain the mixture using a colander, reserving the broth in a jar. Separate and discard the peel, but keep the asparagus chunks.
- Make a blond roux: Heat oil in a saucepan, stir in the flour, and cook for at least 2 minutes on low heat. Gradually add the asparagus broth, whisking to avoid clumps. Simmer for 15 minutes to eliminate the floury taste.
- Add asparagus pieces to the broth. (You can puree the asparagus at this stage if you prefer a smoother soup.) Bring the soup to a brief boil.
- Whisk together the egg yolk and cream, then stir into the soup. Add a splash of lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Recipe Variations
- Soup from Asparagus Broth Only- You can also make this soup using just the broth made from the peel only, especially if you've recently enjoyed white asparagus with ham and hollandaise sauce. While it will be lighter, it pairs beautifully with toasted bread.
- Using Jarred or Canned Asparagus. If fresh white asparagus is unavailable, you can use jarred asparagus. Cook the asparagus with its liquid for about 8 minutes. Add chicken or vegetable stock (affiliate link) to make up 4 cups of liquid. Prepare the roux and enrich the soup with cream and egg yolk as described above.
Which wine pairs with this soup
Which Wine Pairs with This Soup?
A dry white wine complements this creamy soup perfectly. Classic German options include Grüner Veltliner or Silvaner.
Can I freeze this soup?
I wouldn't recommend freezing this soup, as cream-based soups tend to separate when defrosted. However, you can freeze fresh white asparagus for up to 6 months. Freeze it unpeeled (to preserve its flavour) in a plastic bag. When ready to use, place the frozen stems directly into boiling water.
More German Soup Recipes
- German Pea Soup (Erbsensuppe)
- Swede and Carrot Soup
- German Potato Soup (Kartoffelsuppe)
- Goulash Soup (Gulaschsuppe)
Recipe
White Asparagus Soup (Spargelsuppe)
Equipment
- at least 2 litre saucepan
Ingredients
- 500 g (1 lb) white asparagus
- 1.5 liter (6 cups) water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 dash of lemon juice
- 2 tablespoon oil
- 3 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice alterativley use 1 tablespoon white wine
- 1 egg yolk
- 3 tablespoon whipping cream
To serve
- fresh chives or parsley
Instructions
- Peel the asparagus. (Do not discard the peel). Chop off the wooden bit of the stems. Now slice the remaining stem into roughly 3 cm chunks.500 g white asparagus
- Place the peel into a pot of water with the sugar, a dah of lemon juice and a little salt. Boil for 20 minutes.1.5 liter water, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 dash of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon salt
- Now add the asparagus chunks to the broth and boil for a further 20 minutes.
- After this strain the asparagus with a colander. Catch the broth in a jar. Separate the peel and asparagus chunks. (You can now discard the peel.)
- Now we are going to create a "blond roux" - to thicken the sauce. You can also use butter instead of oil for this step, but be aware that butter can brown which might taint the colour of this white soup. Heat up the oil in the saucepan and then mix in the flour. Cook for at least two minutes on low heat before pouring in some asparagus broth. Whisk until no clumps remain. It is important to cook the broth for a further 15 minutes so the floury taste disappears.2 tablespoon oil, 3 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- Add the asparagus pieces (if you want you can puree the asparagus at this stage) and bring the soup back to boil briefly.
- Combine the egg yolk and cream, and whisk to a smooth mass. Mix into the soup. Do not bring the soup back to boil at this stage. Add lemon juice and add salt and pepper to taste. Sprinke with freshly cut chives before serving.2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 egg yolk, 3 tablespoon whipping cream, fresh chives or parsley
robert austin gorwill says
We are a German and English couple living in Portugal.
Really appreciate your time and effort to run this website Marita !
We both enjoy using your recipes for a change from our "normal" meals.........
It is clear that you care passionately about your project and thanks again for your good work !
Marita says
Hi Robert, thanks for your kind words about my website. Comment like yours really motivate me to keep going 🙂 Best Wishes Marita
Jack says
Marita - my daughter pointed me to your site. Love to travel and to recreate dishes from my travels. When I worked for Siemens, spent much time in Erlangen, Germany. Spargel season was one of my favorite times, especially the Spargelsuppe!! Can't wait to try your recipe - but in Northwest Florida it is going to be impossible to find white asparagus. I'm most likely going to be forced to us the green version that is readily available. Love your site, your recipes are bringing back fond memories!!
Marita says
Hi Jack, thanks for your kind words. I am glad that the recipes remind you of your time in Germany. I hope you find some white asparagus soon. Best Wishes Marita
Lindsay says
Jack, ALDI stores carry jarred white asparagus in store around September/October. Have a look a good luck!
Marita Sinden says
Thanks for the tip
Mihaela | https://theworldisanoyster.com/ says
I'll have to check Morrisons - I have never seen white asparagus before; I did not even know it existed. This soup sounds like the best comforting meal at the end of a busy day!
Jeannie says
I dont think Ive seen white Asparagus here, interesting because I love Asparagus.
Jac says
Gosh! I really love the look of that white asparagus though I don't think I will be able to source any up the North of Scotland! But I will try my best as I really want to try white asparagus soup!!
Nora says
I love asparagus soup! In Austria, where I live, this is constantly on the menu in the spring!
Bobbie says
Love asparagus and this soup sounds delightful! I’m going try this recipe soon!
Marita says
Thank you. I hope you like it. x
Gregory Halpen says
Oooooo asparagus soup sounds divine!! I’m Always looking for new soups to try
Marita says
Hope you get to try this recipe.
Kalin says
Yum!! I love white asparagus – it’s so hard to find here! This soup sounds like an amazing treat
Marita says
Thank you it really it 🙂
Andra says
I don’t think I’ve ever had white asparagus soup, but this sounds too good not to try. Thank you!
Marita says
You are welcome