This creamy and comforting Broccoli Soup recipe is the perfect solution for chilly evenings and busy weeknights. Rich in nutrients and bursting with flavor, this soup elevates humble broccoli into a velvety, satisfying dish that warms the soul. With just a handful of ingredients and a simple cooking method, it’s an easy way to incorporate more greens into your diet while delighting your taste buds.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You’ll absolutely adore this broccoli soup recipe for its luscious texture and delightful flavor. The combination of fresh broccoli, garlic, and onions creates a fragrant base, while a splash of cream adds a richness that makes each spoonful feel indulgent. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, taking just about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for those with a busy lifestyle. Whether you’re following a vegetarian diet or just want to add more plant-based meals to your table, this soup is both nutritious and satisfying.
Tips and Tricks
- Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli yields the best flavor and texture, but you can also use frozen broccoli in a pinch. Just adjust the cooking time slightly.
- Blend for a Creamy Texture: For an ultra-smooth soup, use an immersion blender or a high-speed blender. Blend until completely smooth for a restaurant-quality finish.
- Add Depth of Flavor: Enhance the taste by roasting the broccoli before adding it to the soup. This caramelizes the natural sugars, adding a lovely depth of flavor.
- Season Gradually: Taste the soup as you go, adding salt and pepper little by little. This ensures you don’t over-season.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare this broccoli soup ahead of time. Chop the broccoli and onions a day in advance and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. The soup itself can be made and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, let the soup cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to get creative with this broccoli soup recipe!
- Cheesy Broccoli Soup: Add grated cheddar cheese for a cheesy twist.
- Spicy Version: Incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a bit of heat.
- Herb-infused: Toss in fresh herbs like thyme or dill for additional flavor.
- Alternative Cooking Methods: You can make this soup in a slow cooker by sautéing the onions and garlic separately, then combining everything in the slow cooker to simmer until the broccoli is tender.
How to Serve
Serve this broccoli soup hot, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of sour cream for creaminess. Top with croutons for a crunchy texture contrast. Pair it with a crusty bread roll or a side salad for a complete meal.
Pairing Suggestions
For drink pairings, consider a crisp Chardonnay or a light-bodied Pinot Grigio, which complements the soup’s creaminess. A refreshing herbal tea or a light sparkling water with lemon can also be delightful. For a side, serve with a simple mixed greens salad or a slice of hearty sourdough bread to soak up every drop of the soup.
How to Store
Store leftover broccoli soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, where it can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much.
Equipment Needed
You will need a large pot for cooking the soup and a blender (either an immersion blender or a traditional blender) for pureeing the soup. If you don’t have a blender, you can use a potato masher for a chunkier texture. A cutting board and knife are also essential for prepping your ingredients.
Dietary Adaptations
To make this soup vegan, replace the cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. For a dairy-free version, use almond or soy milk instead of cream. If you need it nut-free, simply stick with regular dairy or oat milk. You can skip the butter and use olive oil to sauté the vegetables.
Seasonal Adaptations
In spring, pair your broccoli soup with fresh peas for a vibrant green twist. In fall or winter, you can add sweet potatoes or carrots for a heartier soup. During summer, consider incorporating fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a lighter, fresher flavor.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh? Yes, frozen broccoli can be used; just adjust the cooking time slightly.
- How do I thicken my broccoli soup? If the soup is too thin, you can blend in a small amount of potato or add cornstarch mixed with water.
- What can I substitute for cream? Coconut milk or cashew cream are great alternatives for a dairy-free option.
How To Make broccoli soup recipe
Broccoli Soup
This creamy and comforting Broccoli Soup recipe is the perfect solution for chilly evenings and busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh broccoli, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Croutons and shredded cheese for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped broccoli and season with salt and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer until the broccoli is tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. If using a traditional blender, let the soup cool slightly before blending in batches.
- Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and heat through, adjusting seasoning as necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with croutons and a drizzle of olive oil.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 482Total Fat 32gSaturated Fat 16gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 14gCholesterol 76mgSodium 517mgCarbohydrates 39gFiber 12gSugar 11gProtein 12g
dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Making this broccoli soup recipe is not just about creating a meal; it’s about enjoying a comforting bowl of goodness that is both nutritious and delicious. With its ease of preparation and versatility, it’s a dish you’ll want to return to time and again. So grab your ingredients, and let the warmth of this broccoli soup fill your kitchen and your heart!
