Cream of Any Vegetable Soup

Cream of Any Vegetable Soup Recipe with Broccoli, Rice, and Chicken

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cream of Any Vegetable Soup is a versatile and comforting dish that can be made with a variety of vegetables. This creamy soup is perfect for a cozy meal on a cold day or as a starter for a dinner party.

History

Cream of Any Vegetable Soup has been a popular dish for centuries, with variations found in many different cultures around the world. The concept of pureeing vegetables to create a creamy soup likely originated in France, where soups are a staple of French cuisine.

Ingredients

About 1 lb (454 g) broccoli, trimmed and cut up, to yield about 4 loosely packed cups of broccoli, or the equivalent amount of cauliflower, carrots, turnips, celery, or other vegetable
0.5 cup of rice or 1 medium baking potato, peeled and cut into quarters
4 cups of chicken, beef, vegetable stock, or water
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
0.5 to 1 cup of heavy or light cream or half-and-half
Minced fresh parsley leaves or chives for garnish

How to prepare

In a large, deep saucepan or casserole, combine the broccoli, rice or potato, and stock or water.
Turn the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to medium and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are very tender.
Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then puree it in a food mill or blender.
If desired, the soup can be prepared in advance up to this point. Simply cover it, refrigerate for up to 2 days, and reheat before proceeding.
Return the pureed mixture to the pot and reheat it over medium-low heat.
Season with salt and pepper, then add the cream and heat through again.
Garnish the soup as desired and serve.

Options

For the original cooking liquid, it is recommended to use stock, although water or milk can also be used.
If preferred, the cream can be substituted with milk or yogurt, but using cream is recommended.
Feel free to vary the seasonings according to your taste. Experiment with different fresh herbs, as well as spices like garlic, chiles, and Indian and Asian spices.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
Stir in cooked rice or pasta for a heartier soup.
Top with crumbled bacon or grated cheese for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the vegetables until they are very tender before pureeing them. This will ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

- For a richer soup, use heavy cream instead of half-and-half.

- Experiment with different vegetables to create unique flavor combinations. Some popular choices include broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and peas.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cream of Any Vegetable Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Garnish with minced fresh chives for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Pureeing the vegetables in a food mill or blender creates a smooth and creamy texture for the soup.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to use any combination of vegetables in this recipe. You can also substitute milk or yogurt for the cream.

Make Ahead Tips

Cream of Any Vegetable Soup can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Cream of Any Vegetable Soup with a drizzle of olive oil, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Cream of Any Vegetable Soup pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer. Serve with a side of crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Cream of Any Vegetable Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cream of Any Vegetable Soup contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cream of Any Vegetable Soup contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cream of Any Vegetable Soup contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Cream of Any Vegetable Soup contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Cream of Any Vegetable Soup is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber.

Alergens

Cream of Any Vegetable Soup may contain dairy and gluten allergens.

Summary

Cream of Any Vegetable Soup is a nutritious and delicious dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.

Summary

Cream of Any Vegetable Soup is a versatile and delicious dish that can be made with a variety of vegetables. This creamy soup is perfect for a cozy meal or as a starter for a dinner party. Enjoy the rich flavors and nutritious benefits of this comforting dish.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Cream of Any Vegetable Soup. It was a rainy day, and I was rummaging through my old recipe box, looking for something new to try. As I sifted through the yellowed index cards and tattered magazine clippings, I stumbled upon a faded, handwritten recipe titled "Grandma's Cream of Any Vegetable Soup."

I couldn't remember where I had gotten the recipe from, but the ingredients and directions were so simple and intriguing that I had to give it a try. The recipe called for basic pantry staples like butter, flour, milk, and, of course, any vegetables of my choice. It seemed like the perfect recipe to use up some of the leftover vegetables in my fridge.

As I read through the instructions, memories flooded back to me of all the times I had learned new recipes from various places and people. I remembered the time I spent in the kitchen with my own grandmother, watching her expertly chop and sauté vegetables for her famous stews and soups. She always had a knack for turning simple ingredients into delicious meals that warmed both the body and the soul.

I also thought about the cooking classes I had taken over the years, where I had learned to make dishes from different cuisines around the world. Each new recipe was like a window into a different culture, a way to connect with people through the universal language of food.

But this recipe for Cream of Any Vegetable Soup felt different. It felt like a nod to all the lessons I had learned from the various cooks and chefs who had shared their knowledge with me over the years. It was a reminder that cooking is not just about following a set of instructions, but about creativity and intuition, about using what you have on hand to create something delicious and comforting.

So, with a sense of excitement and anticipation, I set to work in the kitchen, gathering a colorful assortment of vegetables from my fridge – carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes. I chopped them into small pieces, savoring the familiar sound of the knife against the cutting board.

I melted butter in a large pot, feeling the warmth spread through my kitchen as it sizzled and bubbled. I added the chopped vegetables, watching as they softened and released their fragrant aroma. I sprinkled in some flour, stirring it into the vegetables until it formed a thick, creamy paste.

Next, I poured in milk, watching as it transformed the mixture into a velvety soup. I seasoned it with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg, tasting and adjusting until it was just right. The soup simmered on the stove, filling my kitchen with a comforting scent that reminded me of childhood and family gatherings.

As I ladled the soup into bowls and garnished it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, I felt a sense of satisfaction and pride. This recipe for Cream of Any Vegetable Soup had not only brought me back to my roots but had also reminded me of the joy and fulfillment that cooking brings into my life.

I sat down at the table with a steaming bowl of soup in front of me, savoring each spoonful as it warmed me from the inside out. And as I enjoyed the flavors and textures of the vegetables, the creamy richness of the soup, and the memories it evoked, I knew that this recipe would hold a special place in my heart for years to come.

In that moment, I realized that cooking is not just about following recipes or creating delicious meals – it is about connecting with the past, embracing the present, and savoring the simple joys of life. And I knew that as long as I had a kitchen to cook in and a heart full of memories, I would always find happiness in the simple act of creating something from scratch.