Cream of Broccoli Soup with Roasted Garlic Crostini

Cream of Broccoli Soup with Roasted Garlic Crostini Recipe from France

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cream of Broccoli Soup with Roasted Garlic Crostini is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. The creamy soup is packed with the flavors of fresh broccoli and roasted garlic, while the crispy crostini adds a satisfying crunch to every bite.

History

Cream of Broccoli Soup has been a popular dish for centuries, with variations of the recipe appearing in cookbooks dating back to the 18th century. The addition of roasted garlic crostini adds a modern twist to this classic soup, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts.

Ingredients

1 French baguette, sliced crosswise into 0.5-inch thick slices
2 tsp olive oil
0.5 cup chopped onion
0.5 cup chopped celery
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 carrot, peeled and chopped
2 cups steamed broccoli
3 cups reduced-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
1 (12 oz (340 g)) can evaporated milk
salt and freshly ground black pepper
0.33 cup roasted garlic cloves

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet.
Bake for 6 minutes, or until toasted.
Meanwhile, in a large stock pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the onion, celery, garlic, carrot, and broccoli.
Pour the broth over the vegetables and increase the heat to high.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes.
Using an immersion blender, purée the mixture until smooth. Alternatively, you can use a regular blender.
Add the milk and simmer for 1 minute to heat through.
Purée the mixture again.
Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Using a fork, mash the garlic cloves with a pinch each of salt and black pepper, creating a thick paste.
Spread the mixture on the toasted bread and serve with the soup.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the soup for an extra burst of flavor.
Substitute the broccoli with cauliflower for a different twist on the classic recipe.
Top the crostini with a slice of fresh tomato or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to steam the broccoli before adding it to the soup to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

- Use reduced-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the soup.

- For a richer flavor, roast the garlic cloves before mashing them into a paste for the crostini.

- To save time, use an immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the pot.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Cream of Broccoli Soup with Roasted Garlic Crostini as a starter for a dinner party or enjoy it as a light lunch with a side salad.

Cooking Techniques

Steaming the broccoli before adding it to the soup helps to retain its vibrant green color and nutrients.

- Roasting the garlic cloves before mashing them into a paste enhances their flavor and aroma.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of the soup.

- Substitute almond milk for evaporated milk for a dairy-free option.

- Use whole wheat bread instead of a French baguette for a healthier crostini.

Make Ahead Tips

The Cream of Broccoli Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crostini can be prepared and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Cream of Broccoli Soup in individual bowls garnished with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Arrange the roasted garlic crostini on a platter alongside the soup for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Cream of Broccoli Soup with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir. For a non-alcoholic option, serve with a sparkling water infused with lemon or cucumber.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Cream of Broccoli Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. The crostini can be reheated in a toaster oven or oven at 350°F (177°C) for a few minutes until crispy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cream of Broccoli Soup with Roasted Garlic Crostini contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cream of Broccoli Soup with Roasted Garlic Crostini contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cream of Broccoli Soup with Roasted Garlic Crostini contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Cream of Broccoli Soup with Roasted Garlic Crostini contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Cream of Broccoli Soup with Roasted Garlic Crostini is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as calcium and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy and gluten from the bread, so it may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or celiac disease.

Summary

Cream of Broccoli Soup with Roasted Garlic Crostini is a nutritious and satisfying dish that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins. It is a great option for a healthy and delicious meal.

Summary

Cream of Broccoli Soup with Roasted Garlic Crostini is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture, rich flavors, and satisfying crunch, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Cream of Broccoli Soup with Roasted Garlic Crostini. It was a chilly autumn day, and I had been invited to a potluck dinner at a friend's house. As I scanned through the stack of recipes that my friend had collected, my eyes landed on a beautifully handwritten card with the title of this delectable dish. The combination of creamy soup and crunchy crostini sounded simply divine.

I asked my friend where she had gotten the recipe, and she told me that it had been passed down to her by her grandmother. Intrigued by the idea of a recipe with such a rich history, I begged her to share it with me. She graciously agreed, and I made a mental note to pay extra attention as she explained the steps.

The next day, I gathered all the ingredients I would need to make the Cream of Broccoli Soup with Roasted Garlic Crostini. The recipe called for fresh broccoli, onions, garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, and a few other simple ingredients. I chopped and sautéed the vegetables, simmered them in the broth, and then blended everything together until it was smooth and creamy. The aroma that filled my kitchen as the soup cooked was absolutely intoxicating.

As the soup bubbled away on the stove, I turned my attention to the crostini. I sliced a baguette into thin rounds, drizzled them with olive oil, and sprinkled them with salt and pepper. Then, I popped them into the oven to toast until they were golden brown and crispy. While the crostini baked, I roasted a head of garlic until it was soft and sweet, ready to spread on top of the crunchy slices of bread.

Once everything was ready, I ladled the steaming soup into bowls and topped each one with a dollop of the roasted garlic. I arranged the crostini on a platter and placed it in the center of the table, inviting my family to dig in. The first spoonful of soup sent a wave of warmth through me, and the crunch of the crostini added the perfect textural contrast. My family raved about the dish, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my culinary repertoire.

Over the years, I have made the Cream of Broccoli Soup with Roasted Garlic Crostini countless times. Each time I prepare it, I am transported back to that first autumn day when I discovered the recipe and felt a sense of wonder at its delicious simplicity. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing it along just as my friend's grandmother did for her.

As I reflect on the journey that this recipe has taken me on, I am reminded of the power of food to connect us to our past and to create new memories with loved ones. The Cream of Broccoli Soup with Roasted Garlic Crostini will always hold a special place in my heart, not just for its incredible flavors, but for the stories and traditions that it carries with it. And for that, I am truly grateful.