Broccoli cream soup - a healthy delicacy, packed with nutrients and flavors, that will delight your senses and bring a touch of warmth on cooler days. This simple yet refined recipe is perfect for a light dinner or as an appetizer for a festive meal. With a total preparation time of about 30 minutes, this recipe can prove to be a real lifesaver on busy days. Let's begin our culinary journey!
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 5 green onions
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1 tablespoon of flour
- 2 cups of chicken broth (or water + broth cube)
- 1/2 bunch of broccoli (stems and florets)
- Cream for serving
- 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice (optional)
- Salt and ground black pepper
Brief history:
Broccoli cream soup has deep roots in international cuisine, being popular due to the versatility and nutritional benefits that broccoli offers. This ingredient is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making this soup not only a tasty choice but also a healthy one. When cooked correctly, the soup retains the vibrant color of the broccoli, giving it an attractive and appetizing appearance.
Step by step:
1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by finely chopping the onion and garlic. You can use a food processor to save time. Separate the broccoli florets from the stems; the stems are just as valuable, so don’t throw them away! Cut off the tough bottom part of the stems, and use a peeler to remove the skin. The broccoli stem has a texture similar to kohlrabi, so don’t hesitate to use it!
2. Preparing the chicken broth:
If you have homemade chicken broth, that’s perfect! Otherwise, add 2 cups of water to a pot and dissolve a broth cube. Bring the broth to a boil.
3. Boiling the broccoli:
Once the broth is boiling, add the broccoli stems and florets. Let them boil for 6-8 minutes until tender. When ready, transfer the broccoli to a blender, adding a little of the broth to achieve a smooth puree.
4. Preparing the soup base:
In another pot, over low heat, melt the butter. Add the onion and garlic and cook until they become translucent, stirring occasionally. This step is essential for developing flavors! Add the flour and cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until you obtain a smooth paste. This roux will help thicken the soup.
5. Combining the ingredients:
Gradually add the broth in which you boiled the broccoli, using a silicone whisk to avoid lumps. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes. If you find the soup is not smooth enough due to the onion and garlic, you can strain it or blend it again.
6. Mixing the broccoli puree:
Now that you have worked with both hands, it's time to combine the broccoli puree with the obtained cream. Mix well to achieve a uniform texture.
7. Adjusting the consistency:
If the soup seems too thick, add a quarter or half a cup of hot water until you reach the desired consistency. Let the soup simmer on low heat for another 3 minutes and season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a little lemon juice for a touch of freshness.
8. Serving:
Serve the soup immediately, adding a few tablespoons of cream on top and crunchy croutons for a contrast of textures. These croutons will add not just crunchiness but also an extra flavor!
Serving suggestions:
This broccoli cream soup pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a savory tart. You can pair it with a glass of dry white wine or a refreshing lemonade, perfect for balancing the intense flavors of the soup.
Useful tips:
- If you want to add more vegetables, you can include carrots or celery in the chicken broth for extra flavor.
- For a vegan version, you can replace the butter with olive oil and the chicken broth with water or vegetable broth.
- Experiment with spices: a pinch of nutmeg or cumin can add an interesting flavor.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but the cooking time may be slightly longer.
- How can I store the soup? The soup can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a little water if necessary to restore its consistency.
- Is this soup healthy? Absolutely! Broccoli is rich in vitamins C and K, and this soup provides excellent nutritional value.
In conclusion, broccoli cream soup is a fantastic choice for any meal, offering not only an explosion of flavors but also a healthy dose of nutrients. Keep this recipe in mind for days when you need something comforting yet healthy. Enjoy every spoonful!
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 5 green onions
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1 tablespoon of flour
- 2 cups of chicken broth (or water + broth cube)
- 1/2 bunch of broccoli (stems and florets)
- Cream for serving
- 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice (optional)
- Salt and ground black pepper
Brief history:
Broccoli cream soup has deep roots in international cuisine, being popular due to the versatility and nutritional benefits that broccoli offers. This ingredient is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making this soup not only a tasty choice but also a healthy one. When cooked correctly, the soup retains the vibrant color of the broccoli, giving it an attractive and appetizing appearance.
Step by step:
1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by finely chopping the onion and garlic. You can use a food processor to save time. Separate the broccoli florets from the stems; the stems are just as valuable, so don’t throw them away! Cut off the tough bottom part of the stems, and use a peeler to remove the skin. The broccoli stem has a texture similar to kohlrabi, so don’t hesitate to use it!
2. Preparing the chicken broth:
If you have homemade chicken broth, that’s perfect! Otherwise, add 2 cups of water to a pot and dissolve a broth cube. Bring the broth to a boil.
3. Boiling the broccoli:
Once the broth is boiling, add the broccoli stems and florets. Let them boil for 6-8 minutes until tender. When ready, transfer the broccoli to a blender, adding a little of the broth to achieve a smooth puree.
4. Preparing the soup base:
In another pot, over low heat, melt the butter. Add the onion and garlic and cook until they become translucent, stirring occasionally. This step is essential for developing flavors! Add the flour and cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until you obtain a smooth paste. This roux will help thicken the soup.
5. Combining the ingredients:
Gradually add the broth in which you boiled the broccoli, using a silicone whisk to avoid lumps. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes. If you find the soup is not smooth enough due to the onion and garlic, you can strain it or blend it again.
6. Mixing the broccoli puree:
Now that you have worked with both hands, it's time to combine the broccoli puree with the obtained cream. Mix well to achieve a uniform texture.
7. Adjusting the consistency:
If the soup seems too thick, add a quarter or half a cup of hot water until you reach the desired consistency. Let the soup simmer on low heat for another 3 minutes and season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a little lemon juice for a touch of freshness.
8. Serving:
Serve the soup immediately, adding a few tablespoons of cream on top and crunchy croutons for a contrast of textures. These croutons will add not just crunchiness but also an extra flavor!
Serving suggestions:
This broccoli cream soup pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a savory tart. You can pair it with a glass of dry white wine or a refreshing lemonade, perfect for balancing the intense flavors of the soup.
Useful tips:
- If you want to add more vegetables, you can include carrots or celery in the chicken broth for extra flavor.
- For a vegan version, you can replace the butter with olive oil and the chicken broth with water or vegetable broth.
- Experiment with spices: a pinch of nutmeg or cumin can add an interesting flavor.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but the cooking time may be slightly longer.
- How can I store the soup? The soup can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a little water if necessary to restore its consistency.
- Is this soup healthy? Absolutely! Broccoli is rich in vitamins C and K, and this soup provides excellent nutritional value.
In conclusion, broccoli cream soup is a fantastic choice for any meal, offering not only an explosion of flavors but also a healthy dose of nutrients. Keep this recipe in mind for days when you need something comforting yet healthy. Enjoy every spoonful!