There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of homemade soup, especially when the weather starts to turn chilly. Recently, I tried a new recipe for Creamy Broccoli Soup with Croutons, and it was an instant hit with my family. The rich and velvety texture of the soup, combined with the crispy croutons, made for a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. My kids, who are usually hesitant about eating greens, couldn’t get enough of it. The soup was so filling and satisfying that it became an instant contender for our weeknight dinner rotation. If you’re looking for a cozy meal to please the entire family, this recipe is a must-try.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cubed bread (for croutons)
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Carefully add the broccoli florets to the pot and stir them around to coat with the oil, allowing them to cook for another 3-4 minutes. Next, pour in the vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a boil before reducing the heat to let it simmer. Cover the pot and let the broccoli cook until tender, approximately 10-15 minutes.
Once the broccoli is tender, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup to a standard blender, blending it in batches. Return the pureed soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste, allowing the soup to heat through on low heat for an additional 5 minutes.
For the croutons, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed bread, tossing to coat evenly with butter. Cook the bread cubes, stirring frequently, until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: Approximately 250
Preparation Time
Total Time: 40 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve
- Serve the soup hot, topped with a handful of crispy croutons.
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Garnish with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.
- Enjoy with a side of crusty bread to soak up every drop.
- Sprinkle with chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color.
Additional Tips
- Tip 1: For a vegan version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and use vegan butter for the croutons.
- Tip 2: Add a pinch of nutmeg to the soup for a subtle, warming spice.
- Tip 3: If you prefer a chunkier soup, reserve some broccoli florets before blending and add them back to the soup afterward.
- Tip 4: Experiment with different types of bread for the croutons, like sourdough or rye, for varied flavors.
- Tip 5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, reheating gently before serving.
FAQ Section
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just add it directly to the pot without thawing; it will cook in the same amount of time.
Q: How can I make the soup thicker?
A: To thicken the soup, you can add a peeled and diced potato to the pot while cooking the broccoli. Alternatively, a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch mixed with a little water can be stirred in.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, you can freeze the soup without the croutons. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw and reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding fresh croutons when serving.
Q: What other seasonings can enhance the flavor of the soup?
A: You can try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat, or a teaspoon of dried herbs like thyme or basil for additional flavor.
Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A: Yes, you can use milk, but the soup will be less creamy. For a similar texture, consider adding a tablespoon of flour to the milk before mixing it into the soup.