Directions
<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Begin by preparing the asparagus. Cut off the woody ends (approximately the bottom third of each spear) and discard. Reserve 4-6 asparagus tips for garnish if desired, then chop the remaining asparagus into 2-3cm pieces.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced leek and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened but not browned. This slow cooking develops sweetness in the leek without introducing any bitterness.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can create an unpleasant bitter flavor in your soup.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Add the chopped asparagus to the pot and stir to coat with the butter mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the asparagus to begin softening.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Pour in the bone broth and add the dried thyme. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes until the asparagus is completely tender when pierced with a fork.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>If you reserved asparagus tips for garnish, blanch them in boiling water for 2 minutes while the soup cooks, then immediately plunge into ice water to preserve their bright green color. Set aside.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Remove the soup from heat. Using an immersion blender, purée the soup until completely smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender (filling only halfway to prevent hot liquid accidents).</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>For an ultra-silky texture, strain the puréed soup through a fine-mesh strainer back into the pot, pressing with a spoon to extract all the liquid. This step is optional but removes any fibrous bits for a more refined soup.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Return the pot to medium-low heat. Add the double cream and softened cream cheese, whisking until the cream cheese has completely melted and incorporated. The fat in these dairy products creates the luxurious mouthfeel that makes this soup so satisfying on a keto diet.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Stir in the fresh lemon juice, which brightens the flavor and balances the richness. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper, being generous with both as asparagus benefits from proper seasoning.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4>Serve immediately in warmed bowls. Garnish each serving with the reserved asparagus tips, a drizzle of cream, snipped fresh chives, and an extra grind of black pepper. The soup will thicken slightly as it cools, which is perfectly normal for a cream-based soup.</li></ol>