Broccoli cream soup

Broccoli cream soup – a warm hug on a plate

Total preparation time: 40 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Meet the broccoli cream soup, a dish that will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of health to your plate. This simple recipe is perfect for chilly days or moments when you need a light yet satisfying meal. Get ready to enjoy a creamy soup, full of vitamins and minerals, that is sure to become a family favorite.

Necessary ingredients

- 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or other vegetable oil)
- 1 medium onion, chopped into large pieces
- 4-5 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 6 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 bunches of broccoli (including the stem)
- 500 ml vegetable broth (or water, if you don't have broth on hand)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegeta (optional)
- Milk (or heavy cream) – for a velvety consistency
- A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- Garlic croutons or toasted bread with butter and garlic, for serving

Preparation steps

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by preparing all the ingredients. Peel and chop the onion into large pieces. While the size doesn't matter too much, it's important to crush the garlic to release its aroma.

2. Sautéing the onion and garlic: In a large pot, add the 2 tablespoons of oil and heat over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic releases its aroma.

3. Adding the vegetables: Add the diced potatoes and broccoli to the pot. These vegetables not only add a pleasant taste but also a wonderful texture to your soup.

4. Boiling the soup: Pour the vegetable broth (or water) into the pot, making sure the vegetables are completely covered. Season with salt, pepper, and Vegeta if you want an extra flavor boost. Let the soup boil over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.

5. Blending the soup: Once the vegetables are ready, take the pot off the heat and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the contents to a blender or use an immersion blender to achieve a smooth cream. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can stop here, but if you desire a more fluid texture, continue with the next step.

6. Adjusting the consistency: Place the cream obtained in another pot and gradually add the milk or heavy cream. Mix well until you reach the desired consistency. Personally, I like to make it neither too thick nor too liquid, to maintain a pleasant texture.

7. Finalizing the soup: Add a pinch of nutmeg for a subtle flavor. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper to your preference. Let the soup warm up a bit, but do not bring it to a boil again.

8. Serving: Pour the broccoli cream soup into deep bowls and sprinkle garlic croutons or toasted bread with a bit of butter and garlic on top. A touch of freshness can be added by including a few fresh parsley or basil leaves, if desired.

Useful tips for a perfect cream soup

- Choosing broccoli: Make sure to choose fresh broccoli with green florets and crispy leaves. Older broccoli may have a bitter taste.
- Blending: If you don’t have a powerful blender, you can mash the vegetables directly in the pot with an immersion blender. This will reduce cleaning time and be simpler.
- Variations: You can add other vegetables to the soup, such as carrots or celery, to diversify the flavor. You can also replace broccoli with spinach or cauliflower for another delicious variant.
- Serving: This soup pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or a slice of toasted whole-grain bread. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil on top for extra flavor.

Nutritional benefits

Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. It is known for its immune-boosting properties and support for eye health. Additionally, potatoes provide healthy carbohydrates and energy, while garlic has beneficial effects on heart health.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other vegetables?
Yes, you can experiment with other vegetables, such as cauliflower or carrots, to add variety.

2. Can the soup be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the broccoli cream soup in an airtight container, but make sure to let it cool completely before freezing.

3. How can I make the soup vegan?
You can replace the milk or heavy cream with almond or coconut milk and omit dairy products.

4. What is the best way to store the soup?
Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for 3-4 days. You can reheat it on low heat or in the microwave.

Do you want a healthy and comforting meal? Then, broccoli cream soup is the perfect choice! Enjoy every spoonful, and it will warm your heart and soul. Bon appétit!