Who doesn't love a warm, creamy bowl of soup on a chilly day? Cream of Broccoli Soup is a comforting, nutritious option that's easy to whip up at home. In this detailed guide, we'll take you through 7 easy steps to make your own delicious cream of broccoli soup, perfect for any meal or as a starter for your dinner parties.
1. Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure you have all your ingredients ready. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 large head of broccoli, chopped into small florets
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1⁄4 cup of all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: nutmeg, a pinch for flavor
💡 Note: For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with milk or even non-dairy milk like almond milk.
2. Prep Work
Clean your broccoli by washing it under cold water and cutting it into small, manageable pieces. Similarly, chop your onion and mince your garlic. Having everything prepped and ready will make the cooking process smoother.
3. Cook the Base
Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they turn translucent, which should take about 5 minutes.
Next, add garlic and stir for another minute, being careful not to let it burn.
Now, stir in the flour. This will help to thicken your soup. Let it cook for about 2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.
4. Add the Broth and Broccoli
Gradually whisk in your broth to prevent lumps from forming due to the flour. Once the broth is well incorporated, bring the mixture to a simmer.
Afterwards, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Let the soup simmer until the broccoli is tender, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
5. Puree the Soup
Once the broccoli is tender, you have two options:
- Immersion Blender: Use an immersion blender right in the pot to blend the soup to your desired consistency.
- Traditional Blender: Carefully transfer the soup to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, then return it to the pot. Be cautious with the hot soup to avoid burns.
⚠️ Note: If using a traditional blender, blend in small batches to avoid hot splatters.
6. Enrich the Soup
Pour in the heavy cream or your substitute, and heat the soup gently until it’s warmed through. Season with salt, pepper, and if you like, a dash of nutmeg for extra depth of flavor.
| Ingredient | Role |
|---|---|
| Broccoli | Main ingredient for flavor and nutrition |
| Onion & Garlic | Flavor base |
| Broth | Provides liquid base |
| Heavy Cream | Thickens and enriches the soup |
7. Serve and Enjoy
Your soup is ready to be enjoyed! Ladle it into bowls and garnish with your choice of:
- A drizzle of cream
- Freshly ground pepper
- A sprinkle of cheese (Cheddar or Parmesan work well)
- Croutons for crunch
In this simple guide, we've shown you how to create a comforting cream of broccoli soup from scratch, which not only warms you up but also brings a touch of homemade comfort to your table. From gathering your ingredients to enjoying the final bowl, these 7 steps provide an easy pathway to culinary satisfaction, ensuring that your soup is both delicious and nutritious. Enjoy this versatile soup as a starter or as a standalone dish, perfect for any season.
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
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Absolutely, you can use frozen broccoli. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s fully heated through and tender.
How can I thicken my soup if it’s too thin?
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If your soup isn’t thick enough, you can either simmer it longer to reduce the liquid or add a slurry of cornstarch mixed with cold broth or water to thicken it up.
Can this soup be frozen?
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Yes, cream of broccoli soup freezes well. However, remember that the texture might change slightly upon reheating. Cool the soup completely before freezing to maintain its quality.
