Turkish asparagus soup recipe

Associated with Aegean-Turkish cuisine, asparagus has been known to people of the Mediterranean  since ancient times. Asparagus is known as “kuşkonmaz” in Turkish and grows in Central Anatolia, Aegean and the Mediterranean region and recently near Istanbul.

White, green and purple colours of asparagus grow in Turkey. Asparagus is also known with other local names in the other regions of Turkey. Wild asparagus is known as “dilkemen”.

Fresh asparagus sold at Turkish markets under regional names

Here is a delicious low-calorie soup recipe for “kuşkonmaz” fans.

Ingredients for the Turkish asparagus soup

• 1 dry garlic
• 500 grams. asparagus
• 6-7 branches of shallots
• 1 medium size brown/white onion
• 2 medium size potatoes
• 3.5 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons of grated cheddar (or parmesan)
• 1/2 tablespoon of butter
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of basil

Asparagus is also known with other local names in the Aegean region of Turkey, as “Tilkişen, tilkikuyruğu or kedirgen”.

Step by step – how to make Turkish asparagus soup

Slash the asparagus pieces into half by separating stems and flowers. Steam-cook the asparagus flowers whilst putting the stems into a separate cooking pot.

Add in shredded onions, shallots and minced garlic with the asparagus stems. Sauté them for a little bit.

Chop the potatoes into cubes and add them in your sautéed vegetable mix. Then add chicken broth (or vegetable broth) and keep cooking.

Once your vegetable mixture is cooked, stir it with basil. Turn your mixture into soup form with the help of a blender.

Serve your soup by with asparagus flowers and parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.