This homemade broccoli soup is creamy, rich, and bursting with flavor. It’s the ultimate comfort food that you’ll enjoy with every bite. In just under half an hour, you can prepare and serve this delightful dish, making it a convenient choice for any meal. Crafting this soup at home is straightforward: simply saute fresh broccoli with aromatic onions and garlic, simmer in savory chicken broth, then blend to a velvety consistency before adding a touch of cream and sharp cheddar cheese. The result is a harmonious blend of wholesome ingredients that deliver both taste and satisfaction.
Broccoli Soup Ingredients
Broccoli serves as the star ingredient, providing a fresh,earthy flavor and vibrant color
Onion add a subtle sweetness and depth to the soups base.
Garlic infuses a pungent aroma, enhancing the overall taste.
Carrot introduces a hint of natural sweetness and additional texture.
Chicken broth forms the savory foundation, enriching the soups complexity.
whipping cream imparts a luxurious creaminess, elevating the soups richness. chicken bouillon cube further intensifies the savory notes.
Butter contributes a silky mouthfeel and assists in sautéing the aromatics.
flour helps thicken the soup to a perfect consistency.
Cheddar cheese provides a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the broccoli.
Salt balances and enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
Black pepper introduces a subtle heat, enhancing the soups overall depth and complexity.
Broccoli Soup Instructions
1. Melt Butter: Begin by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Saute Aromatics: Add chopped onions and saute until translucent.
3. Add Garlic: Incorporate minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
4. Add Flour: Sprinkle in flour, stirring constantly to form a roux.
5. Add Vegetables: Add chopped broccoli and shredded carrots to the mixture.
6. Add Broth: Gradually pour in chicken broth, whisking to combine smoothly.
7. Season: Add a chicken bouillon cube for enhanced flavor. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
8. Simmer: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer until the vegetables are tender.
9. Blend (Optional): For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to purée the soup, leaving some chunks if desired.
10. Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in whipping cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese has fully melted and the soup is creamy.
11. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
12. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls, optionally topping with extra shredded cheddar cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can make this soup keto-friendly by omitting the flour used for thickening. Instead, you can use heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese to achieve a creamy texture without the carbs.
Absolutely. To make the soup vegan, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the whipping cream and cheese. You can use plant-based alternatives like coconut milk and vegan cheese to maintain a creamy and cheesy flavor.
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the broccoli and return it to the pot. For a thinner consistency, add more broth or water until you reach your desired texture.
Yes, you can enhance the soup by adding vegetables like carrots, celery, or cauliflower. Just chop them into small pieces and add them along with the broccoli for a more hearty soup.
Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this soup. Ensure its thawed and drained to prevent excess water in the soup.Â
yes, it will still taste really good without the cheese
Tips and Tricks
1. Use Freshly Grated Cheese
Opt for freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can result in a gritty texture. Grating the cheese yourself ensures a smoother, creamier soup.
2. Add Vegetables for Extra Flavor
Incorporate additional vegetables like carrots or celery to enhance the soups flavor and nutritional value. Chop them into small pieces and saute them with the onions for a well-rounded taste.
3. Control Soup Thickness
Adjust the soups thickness by blending a portion of the broccoli and returning it to the pot. For a thinner consistency, add more broth or water until you reach your desired texture.
4. Season at the End
Season the soup with salt and pepper at the end of cooking to prevent over-seasoning. This approach allows you to adjust the flavors more accurately.
5. Serve in Bread Bowls
For a fun presentation, serve the soup in crusty bread bowls. The bread absorbs the soup, adding a delightful texture and flavor.
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Broccoli Soup
Ingredients
- 3 cups broccoli cut into small pieces
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small carrot shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup whipping cream
- 1 chicken bouillon cube optional
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup cheddar cheese plus extra for topping
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli: Wash the broccoli thoroughly and cut it into small pieces.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about a minute until translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Create the Roux: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the pot. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously to form a roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate the shredded carrot and broccoli pieces into the pot. Stir well to combine and cook for another minute.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the chicken bouillon cube. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the bouillon cube dissolves. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the broccoli becomes very tender.
- Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency, leaving some chunks of broccoli intact for texture.
- Incorporate Dairy: Stir in the whipping cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has fully melted and the soup is creamy.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, topping each with additional cheddar cheese if desired. Serve warm.