If you are craving something cozy, nourishing, and downright delicious, look no further than this Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe. It’s a beautiful blend of tender broccoli, silky potatoes, and luscious cream, creating a velvety soup that comforts every bite. The fresh ingredients come together with simple steps to deliver a bowl that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any season. Whether you want a quick lunch or a starter for dinner, this Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe is sure to become your new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on this soup is a breeze because it calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that work harmoniously to build layers of taste and texture. Each component plays a vital role, from the sweetness of onions to the creaminess of heavy cream, making this recipe both straightforward and satisfying.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the soup base.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Boosts flavor with aromatic pungency.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for gently sautéing the onion and garlic without overpowering them.
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets: The star of the show, providing vibrant color and nutrition.
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced: Acts as a natural thickener for a wonderfully creamy texture.
- 4 cups vegetable broth: Creates a flavorful and light soup base.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Brings richness and smoothness to every spoonful.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and balances the creaminess.
- Fresh lemon juice (optional): Introduces a bright, fresh contrast if you want a zesty note.
- Fresh parsley or chives: Garnishes that add a burst of color and freshness.
How to Make Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by washing and chopping your broccoli into manageable florets. Peel and dice the potato to ensure it cooks evenly and blends nice and smooth later. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic so they release all their wonderful flavors quickly during cooking.
Step 2: Sauté Onion
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and gently sauté for about 4-5 minutes until it becomes translucent. This step is crucial as it builds the sweet base flavor that complements the broccoli beautifully.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Be careful not to let it burn, as garlic can quickly turn bitter. This brief sauté brightens the soup’s overall aroma.
Step 4: Add Broccoli and Potato
Next, toss in the diced potato and broccoli florets. Stir them around for a few minutes to coat everything in the fragrant onion and garlic oil, allowing the flavors to mingle.
Step 5: Simmer in Broth
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the pot to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until the broccoli and potatoes are tender. This simmering softens the veggies so they can transform into a creamy masterpiece.
Step 6: Blend Until Smooth
Remove the pot from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until silky smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup to a stand blender in batches for an ultra-creamy finish.
Step 7: Stir in Heavy Cream and Season
Return the blended soup to low heat. Slowly stir in the heavy cream, allowing the soup to heat through without boiling. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting until it hits your perfect balance of flavors.
Step 8: Serve Warm
Once heated through, your Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe is ready to serve. Ladle it into bowls and prepare for the final touch with garnishes.
How to Serve Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley or chives sprinkled on top add a splash of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens the richness of the soup. For an extra zing, a few drops of fresh lemon juice can really lift the flavors and balance all the creaminess.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or buttery garlic toast to help you scoop up every last drop. A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also complements the creamy texture with a refreshing crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this soup in charming bread bowls for an impressive presentation rustic enough for cozy nights in. For a more elegant approach, garnish with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for added texture and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow your soup to cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers. It will keep nicely in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe freezes well. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing its flavor or texture.
Reheating
When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm gently over low heat with a sprinkle of water or broth to loosen the consistency if needed. Stir often to prevent separating and maintain that creamy texture you love.
FAQs
Can I substitute heavy cream with something lighter?
Absolutely! You can use half-and-half or even a splash of full-fat coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free option, though it might slightly alter the soup’s texture and flavor richness.
Is it necessary to add potatoes to this soup?
Potatoes serve as a natural thickener, giving the soup its creamy consistency without extra flour or thickeners. However, you can omit them for a lighter broth-like soup but expect a thinner texture.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes! Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and ensure your vegetable broth is vegan-friendly. The result is still delicious, just with a slightly different flavor profile.
How do I prevent the soup from being too bitter?
Use fresh broccoli and avoid overcooking, which can bring out bitterness. Adding a pinch of sugar or a splash of lemon juice at the end helps balance the flavors perfectly.
Can I add other vegetables to this Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe?
Feel free to experiment! Cauliflower, spinach, or kale can be added to enrich flavor and nutritional value, but keep in mind these will influence the final taste slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe is truly a kitchen classic that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Its simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it accessible, while the results are impressively delicious and comforting. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and enjoy every creamy, vibrant spoonful!
Print
Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and creamy cream of broccoli soup made with fresh broccoli, potatoes for thickness, and finished with heavy cream for a smooth, rich texture. This easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a cozy meal and garnished with fresh herbs for added freshness.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
Liquids and Fats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Seasonings and Garnish
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh lemon juice (optional)
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Wash and chop the broccoli, peel and dice the potato, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic. This sets you up for a smooth cooking process.
- Sauté Onion: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until it becomes translucent, releasing its sweetness.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, making sure it doesn’t burn to preserve its flavor.
- Add Vegetables: Add the diced potato and broccoli florets to the pot. Stir for a few minutes to combine and start softening the vegetables.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Blend Soup: Remove the pot from heat and use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it’s completely smooth and creamy.
- Add Cream and Season: Return the soup to low heat, stir in the heavy cream, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Final Heat and Serve: Heat the soup through for a few more minutes, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve warm garnished with fresh parsley or chives. Optionally, add a splash of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli for the best flavor and texture.
- Adding the potato helps thicken the soup without needing any flour or cream-based thickeners.
- An immersion blender makes blending easier, but a countertop blender works too; just blend in batches and be careful with hot liquids.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or omit cream altogether for a dairy-free option.
- Fresh lemon juice adds a bright note but is optional.
