German Asparagus Soup with Soft-Boiled Egg & Rye Crackers
German Asparagus Soup with Soft-Boiled Egg & Rye Crackers
German Asparagus Soup, or Spargelsuppe, is a creamy, velvety dish that highlights the delicate flavour of spring asparagus. This version pairs the soup with a soft-boiled egg for extra richness and protein, while crisp rye crackers add a satisfying crunch. A touch of white pepper and nutmeg enhances the soup’s depth, making it a light yet nourishing meal that perfectly captures the essence of spring.
Print RecipeIngredients
- 250 g white asparagus trimmed and chopped
- 500 ml vegetable broth
- 125 ml heavy cream
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small shallot finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
- 2 large eggs soft-boiled
- 2 slices rye crackers
- 1 tbsp fresh chives chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the asparagus – Trim the woody ends from the asparagus and chop into small pieces.
- Sauté the aromatics – In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the shallot and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Simmer the soup – Add the chopped asparagus and vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, until the asparagus is tender.
- Blend until smooth – Using an immersion blender (or transferring carefully to a regular blender), purée the soup until smooth.
- Finish with cream and seasoning – Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, salt, and white pepper. Simmer for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Soft-boil the eggs – While the soup is cooking, bring a small pot of water to a gentle boil. Carefully add the eggs and cook for 6 minutes. Transfer to an ice bath, then peel and halve.
- Serve – Ladle the soup into bowls, top with the halved soft-boiled eggs, and sprinkle with fresh chives. Serve alongside rye crackers.
Notes
- Why White Asparagus? White asparagus is grown in mounded soil, shielding it from sunlight and preventing chlorophyll from developing, which keeps it pale and gives it a milder, slightly sweeter flavour than green asparagus. If you can’t find white asparagus, green works just as well—just expect a slightly more robust, grassy taste.
- Soft-Boiled Egg Perfection Getting that perfectly jammy yolk requires precision. Use eggs straight from the fridge, lower them gently into simmering water, and cook for exactly 6 minutes. An ice bath immediately after cooking stops the process and makes peeling much easier. Older eggs peel more easily than fresh ones!
- Seasonal Variations In early spring, try swapping some of the asparagus for fiddleheads, which have a similar delicate, earthy taste. If you love herbs, a handful of chopped lovage or tarragon added at the end can bring a bright, anise-like depth to the soup.
- Texture Adjustments Prefer a more rustic soup? Blend only half of the asparagus, leaving the rest in tender chunks. Or, for a richer version, stir in an extra splash of cream just before serving.
- Serving Ideas Traditional German asparagus soup is sometimes served with ham or smoked fish. If you want to add a bit more protein, consider topping the soup with crispy prosciutto or smoked trout.
Nutrition
Calories: 323kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 88mg | Sodium: 1103mg | Potassium: 387mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 2643IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 87mg | Iron: 3mg
Servings: 2
Calories: 323kcal