Creamy and Nutritious Broccoli Cream Soup
Creamy and Nutritious Broccoli Cream Soup
Healthy Broccoli Cream Soup with Croutons, Perfect for a Cozy Meal
Enjoy a delightful homemade Broccoli Cream Soup made with simple, readily available ingredients and an easy-to-follow recipe. Topped with a few crunchy croutons, it’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time of day. Its vibrant green color is appealing, and when blended smooth with cream, it offers an exceptionally silky texture. While broccoli is often enjoyed as a side dish with a spicy dipping sauce, preparing it as a soup brings out a unique and charming flavor. This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy broccoli’s goodness in a comforting bowl.
Soup Ingredients- Broccoli 120g (weight after trimming)
- Onion 60g (about 1/4 of a small onion)
- Garlic 1 clove
- Unsweetened Soy Milk 100ml (or regular milk)
- Heavy Cream 200ml
- Butter 10g
- All-purpose Flour 1 tbsp (or rice flour)
- Nuts 15g (optional, for added richness)
- Salt 1g (about 1/5 tsp)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, gather and measure all the ingredients needed for the recipe. Although red onion was used in the video for a vibrant color, regular yellow onion works just as well. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will result in an even more delicious soup.
Step 2
Prepare about 120g of broccoli. This is the weight after removing the thick stems and trimming it into bite-sized florets. A 2:1 ratio of broccoli to onion provides the best flavor balance, allowing the broccoli’s taste to shine while being complemented by the sweetness of the onion.
Step 3
For the broccoli, carefully trim away the tough, thick central stem and separate the florets into manageable pieces (about 2-3 cm). Wash the florets gently in lightly salted water. Bring a pot of water to a boil with a pinch of salt, then add the broccoli and blanch for about 2 minutes. Avoid overcooking, as this can dull the color and diminish nutrients.
Step 4
In a medium saucepan, melt 10g of butter over low heat. Once the butter is fully melted, add 1 clove of thinly sliced garlic. Sauté gently, being careful not to burn the garlic, until it becomes fragrant. This step infuses the butter with a wonderful garlic aroma, deepening the soup’s overall flavor.
Step 5
Once the garlic is fragrant, add the finely diced onion. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and sweet. Be patient and avoid burning the onion; slow cooking will bring out its natural sweetness, enhancing the soup’s flavor.
Step 6
After the onions have softened and turned translucent, add 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour (or rice flour). Cook for about 1 minute over low heat, stirring constantly to form a roux. Ensure the flour doesn’t burn. This mixture will help thicken the soup to the desired consistency.
Step 7
Once the roux is formed, transfer the sautéed vegetables and roux to a blender. For an extra layer of nutty richness, add 15-20g of nuts at this stage. The nuts will contribute a lovely depth of flavor. Pour in 100ml of unsweetened soy milk (or regular milk) to help the blender process the ingredients smoothly.
Step 8
The degree to which you blend the ingredients will affect the soup’s texture. Blend according to your preference. For an ultra-smooth soup, blend until completely liquefied. If you prefer a soup with a bit of texture, blend just until the broccoli is slightly broken down, leaving some small pieces. I personally prefer a slightly textured soup, so I blended until the broccoli was just partially broken down.
Step 9
Pour the blended soup mixture back into the saucepan. Add 200ml of heavy cream. Now, simmer over low heat, stirring gently, until the soup reaches your desired thickness. You can adjust the amount of cream for a thinner or thicker soup. If you prefer a lighter consistency, you can use 100ml of heavy cream and 100ml of milk.
Step 10
As the soup thickens to your liking, it’s time to season it with salt. The recipe calls for 1g of salt (approximately 1/5 teaspoon), which is usually a good starting point. Taste the soup and adjust the saltiness to your preference, being careful not to oversalt.
Step 11
This recipe yields approximately 500ml of soup, which is a generous portion for two servings. If you’re eating alone, you can enjoy it over two meals, or it’s a perfect single serving if you have other dishes to accompany it. It makes for a hearty and nutritious meal.
Step 12
Pour the finished Broccoli Cream Soup into a bowl. Garnishing with a few crispy croutons dramatically enhances both the visual appeal and the overall taste experience. A simple crouton can truly elevate your soup! (For a delicious homemade crouton recipe, please refer to @7023112). Enjoy your warm and creamy soup! ^^
