Pin It This Cream of Broccoli Soup is a velvety, comforting dish that brings out the best in fresh vegetables. By blending tender broccoli with aromatic onions and carrots and finishing the mixture with a touch of heavy cream, you create a rich and satisfying flavor profile that is perfect for a cozy meal.
Pin It The preparation begins by gently sautéing aromatics in a blend of butter and olive oil. This process builds a savory foundation that complements the earthy broccoli, while a hint of nutmeg adds a subtle, warming finish to every bowl.
Ingredients
- 1 large head broccoli (about 500 g), chopped into florets
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 liter (4 cups) vegetable broth
- 120 ml (½ cup) heavy cream (plus extra for garnish, optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
- Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
- Fresh chives, finely chopped (optional)
- Croutons (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Heat the butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and garlic. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 2
- Add the chopped broccoli florets and stir to combine. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Step 3
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until the broccoli is very tender.
- Step 4
- Remove from heat. Using an immersion blender (or working in batches with a countertop blender), blend the soup until completely smooth.
- Step 5
- Stir in the heavy cream and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently reheat over low heat if needed—do not boil after adding cream.
- Step 6
- Ladle into bowls. Garnish with extra cream, chives, or croutons as desired. Serve hot.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For an even thicker and heartier consistency, you can add one peeled and diced potato to the pot at the same time as the broccoli florets. The starches will help thicken the soup naturally during the blending process.
Varianten und Anpassungen
To create a vegan version, substitute the butter with olive oil and use plant-based cream or coconut milk instead of heavy cream. For a lighter version, you can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
Serviervorschläge
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with finely chopped fresh chives and crunchy croutons. For a professional touch, add a small drizzle of extra heavy cream over the surface before serving with a slice of crusty bread.
Pin It This Cream of Broccoli Soup is a versatile dish that works beautifully as an appetizer or a main course. Its simple preparation and sophisticated flavor make it a reliable favorite for any home cook looking for a nutritious and warming meal.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely. This soup reheats beautifully and actually develops deeper flavors when made a day ahead. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Gently reheat over low heat, avoiding boiling to prevent the cream from separating.
- → How can I make this soup thicker?
For extra body, add a peeled, diced potato along with the broccoli. The starch naturally thickens the soup during blending. Alternatively, reduce the broth slightly or increase the broccoli ratio for a more robust texture.
- → What's the best way to achieve a perfectly smooth texture?
An immersion blender works wonderfully directly in the pot. If using a countertop blender, work in batches and vent the lid to release steam. Blend for 2-3 minutes until completely silky, with no visible vegetable pieces remaining.
- → Can I freeze this soup?
The soup freezes well for up to 3 months, though the cream may separate slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze before adding cream, then blend in fresh cream when reheating. If freezing after cream is added, whisk thoroughly while reheating to restore smoothness.
- → What garnishes work best with this soup?
A drizzle of extra cream creates beautiful swirls. Finely chopped fresh chives add mild onion flavor and vibrant color. Homemade croutons provide satisfying crunch, or try grated sharp cheddar melted on top for extra richness.
- → How do I make this dairy-free?
Replace butter with additional olive oil. Substitute coconut milk, almond milk, or a plant-based cream alternative for heavy cream. The flavor profile will shift slightly depending on your choice, though coconut milk adds lovely subtle sweetness.