Broccoli cream soup

Broccoli cream soup: a perfect blend of health and taste

Broccoli cream soup is not just a simple recipe, but a true explosion of flavors and nutrients. This soup is ideal for cool days or moments when you want to indulge in a quick and healthy dish. It offers plenty of vitamins and minerals, making it an excellent choice for a light lunch or a comforting dinner. Additionally, broccoli is known for its antioxidant properties and benefits for the immune system. So, get ready to discover how to make a delicious broccoli cream soup, step by step!

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 500 g fresh broccoli
- 1 small onion
- 2 potatoes
- 2 slices of celery (from a large celery)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 2 vegetable cubes (or vegetable broth)
- 2 teaspoons of pork seasoning (containing cumin, coriander, marjoram, thyme, rosemary, paprika, chili, allspice, cloves, bay leaves)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil (optional)
- Salt, to taste

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing all the vegetables well. Peel the onion, potatoes, and celery, then cut them into large pieces. This will facilitate cooking and allow the flavors to combine perfectly. The broccoli should be fresh, so make sure it is green and firm. Break it into small florets to cook evenly.

Step 2: Cooking the vegetables
In a large pot, bring 2 liters of water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the onion, potatoes, and celery. Let them cook over medium heat for 15 minutes. This step is essential for obtaining a soup with a rich flavor base.

Step 3: Adding the broccoli
After the vegetables have been cooked for 15 minutes, add the broccoli florets, pork seasoning, parsley, and whole, peeled garlic cloves. Also, add the vegetable cubes or vegetable broth to intensify the flavor. Boil the mixture for another 10 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure that too much water does not evaporate. Make sure the broccoli is tender but not overcooked, to retain its vibrant color and nutrients.

Step 4: Straining the soup
After 10 minutes, strain the soup into a large bowl, keeping the liquid. This will be used to adjust the consistency of the cream soup. The cooked vegetables can be blended with an immersion blender or a regular blender. Measure how much liquid you have kept and gradually add it over the blended vegetables, mixing until you achieve the desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker cream soup, do not add all the liquid.

Step 5: Finalizing
Once you have obtained a smooth and creamy texture, you can adjust the taste with salt if necessary. If desired, add a tablespoon of olive oil on top for an extra flavor boost.

Serving and variations
This broccoli cream soup is perfect served with a dollop of sour cream or with crispy croutons made from toasted bread spread with cream cheese. If you want a vegan option, the croutons can be spread with a little olive oil and a pinch of salt. You can also add toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for an extra crunch.

Helpful tips:
- If you want to save time, you can use frozen vegetables, but make sure to choose high-quality ones.
- You can also add other vegetables, such as carrots or zucchini, to vary the flavor.
- Instead of water, you can use vegetable broth to enrich the aroma.

Nutritional benefits
Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamins C, K, fiber, and antioxidants, which help strengthen the immune system and maintain digestive health. This cream soup contains a low amount of calories, making it ideal for a balanced diet. A serving contains approximately 150 calories, depending on the amount of olive oil and sour cream added.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, but make sure it is of high quality to maintain flavor and texture.

2. How can I make the soup spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste.

3. How can I store the soup?
The soup stores well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

4. What other recipes pair well with this soup?
This broccoli cream soup pairs excellently with a fresh green salad or a grilled cheese sandwich.

I hope this recipe inspires you to bring a touch of health into your kitchen! By preparing this broccoli cream soup, you not only enjoy a tasty dish but also nourish your body with all the nutrients it needs. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 500 g broccoli, 1 small onion, 2 potatoes, celery (I used 2 slices from a large celery), 1 bunch of fresh parsley, 2 cloves of garlic, 2 vegetable cubes, 2 teaspoons of seasoning for pork (containing cumin, coriander, marjoram, thyme, rosemary, paprika, chili, allspice, cloves, bay leaf - purchased from a grocery store), 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt to taste.