Creamy Broccoli Soup

Creamy Broccoli Soup Recipe - Vegetarian Food from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 10 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Creamy broccoli soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or as a starter for a dinner party. This soup is packed with flavor and is sure to warm you up on a cold day.

History

Broccoli soup has been enjoyed for centuries, with variations of the recipe appearing in different cultures around the world. This creamy version of broccoli soup has become a popular choice for those looking for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

6 cups small broccoli florets and peeled, chopped stems
2 stalks celery, sliced
1 medium green bell pepper, sliced
1 tsp salt
2 tsp vegetable oil, ghee or butter for garnish (optional)
1.5 cups tiny broccoli florets for garnish (optional)
4 to 5 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 to 2 tsp sugar
0.25 tsp freshly ground pepper
0.25 cup minced fresh parsley

How to prepare

0.25 cup vegetable oil or 0.33 cup ghee or butter.
Pinch of asafetida (optional).
1. In a large pot, heat 0.25 cup of oil or 0.33 cup of ghee over very low heat. Stir in asafetida if desired, 6 cups of broccoli, celery, bell pepper, and 0.5 tsp of salt. Cover and cook until the vegetables are very tender, stirring occasionally, for 30 to 40 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, make the garnish if desired: In a large skillet, heat 2 tsp of oil over low heat. Add 1.5 cups of broccoli florets and cook, stirring often, until tender, about 20 minutes. Set aside.
3. In a blender or food processor, puree the broccoli-celery mixture in batches with 4 cups of broth until it is as smooth as possible. The smoother the puree, the easier the next step will be.
4. Place a large sieve over the soup pot. Strain the broccoli puree through it, stirring and pressing out the liquid with the back of a large spoon; scrape the underside of the sieve periodically. Do not skip this step! It is vital for a creamy texture. Discard any fibrous material that pulls away from the sieve.
5. Reheat the soup, covered, over medium heat, thinning it with the remaining 1 cup of broth if necessary. Stir in the garnish and season with sugar, pepper, and the remaining 0.5 tsp of salt. Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with parsley, and serve.

Variations

Add a splash of cream or coconut milk for an extra creamy texture.
Top the soup with crispy bacon or croutons for added crunch.
Stir in some grated cheese for a cheesy broccoli soup.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the vegetables until they are very tender to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

- Straining the broccoli puree through a sieve is essential for achieving a creamy texture.

- Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more salt, pepper, or sugar as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve creamy broccoli soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Puree the soup in batches in a blender or food processor for a smooth texture.

- Strain the broccoli puree through a sieve for a creamy consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use olive oil instead of vegetable oil for a healthier option.

- Substitute chicken broth for vegetable broth for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Creamy broccoli soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish creamy broccoli soup with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a dollop of sour cream for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve creamy broccoli soup with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, or a light-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover creamy broccoli soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to thin out the soup.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of creamy broccoli soup contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of creamy broccoli soup contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of creamy broccoli soup contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of creamy broccoli soup contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Creamy broccoli soup is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as potassium and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter) and may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies.

Summary

Creamy broccoli soup is a nutritious and delicious dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a great way to enjoy the health benefits of broccoli in a comforting and satisfying meal.

Summary

Creamy broccoli soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. With its smooth texture and rich flavor, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a chilly autumn day, and I was rummaging through my collection of old cookbooks, looking for something new and exciting to try. As I flipped through the pages of a faded and tattered cookbook that my dear friend had given me many years ago, I stumbled upon a recipe for Creamy Broccoli Soup.

I had always loved broccoli, but had never thought to turn it into a soup before. The ingredients were simple - broccoli, onions, garlic, chicken broth, cream, and a few spices. It seemed like the perfect comfort food for a cold day, so I decided to give it a try.

I gathered all the ingredients and got to work in the kitchen. Chopping the broccoli into small florets, sautéing the onions and garlic in a little bit of butter, and then adding in the chicken broth to simmer until the broccoli was tender. The smell that wafted through my kitchen was heavenly - a combination of earthy broccoli, sweet onions, and rich chicken broth.

Once the broccoli was cooked through, I used an immersion blender to puree the soup until it was smooth and creamy. I added in a splash of cream, some salt and pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for a little extra warmth. The soup was velvety and luscious, with a delicate green hue that reminded me of springtime.

I ladled the soup into a bowl and took a hesitant sip. The flavors were incredible - the sweetness of the broccoli, the richness of the cream, and the depth of the chicken broth all blended together perfectly. It was like a warm hug in a bowl, comforting and satisfying.

I couldn't wait to share my new creation with my family. As they sat down at the table, I proudly placed a steaming bowl of Creamy Broccoli Soup in front of each of them. They took their first bites, and their faces lit up with delight. They couldn't believe that something so simple could taste so delicious.

As we sat around the table, enjoying our meal together, I couldn't help but think back on how I had come to learn this recipe. Over the years, I had gathered recipes from various places and people - old cookbooks, friends, and even strangers I had met while traveling. Each recipe held a special place in my heart, a memory of where I had been and who I had shared it with.

But this recipe for Creamy Broccoli Soup was different. It felt like a gift from the universe, a little gem that had been waiting for me to discover it. And as I watched my family slurp up every last drop of soup in their bowls, I knew that this recipe would become a beloved favorite in our home.

From that day on, Creamy Broccoli Soup became a regular on our dinner table. Whenever the weather turned cold, or someone was feeling a bit under the weather, I would whip up a batch of this comforting soup. And each time I made it, I would think back to that chilly autumn day when I first stumbled upon the recipe in that old cookbook.

I may have learned many recipes over the years, but Creamy Broccoli Soup will always hold a special place in my heart. It's a reminder of the joy of discovery, the pleasure of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones, and the simple beauty of a well-made dish. And for that, I am forever grateful.