Broccoli cream soup
Broccoli cream soup – a healthy and delicious choice
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Have you ever thought about how simple and quick it can be to make a delicious and healthy cream soup? Broccoli cream soup is not only a comforting dish but also an excellent way to add fresh vegetables to your diet. With a combination of accessible ingredients and a creamy texture, this recipe is perfect for days when you want to indulge while also eating healthily.
A bit of history
Vegetable cream soup is a traditional recipe found in many culinary cultures, with numerous variations. Various types of vegetables have been used over the years, each bringing a unique contribution of nutrients and flavors. Broccoli, considered a superfood due to its rich content of vitamins and minerals, is the star of this recipe. It is an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, and fiber, making this soup not only a delight but also a healthy choice.
Ingredients
- 2 carrots (about 100g)
- 2 medium onions
- 100g celery
- 1 medium red pepper
- 1kg broccoli
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 30ml olive oil
- fresh parsley (for garnish)
- salt (to taste)
- pepper (to taste)
Preparing the ingredients
The first step in making broccoli cream soup is to prepare the vegetables. Make sure the vegetables are fresh to achieve an intense flavor. Peel the carrots, onions, celery, and red pepper, then cut them into large pieces. They don't need to be perfectly cut, as they will be blended later.
For the broccoli, I recommend using both the florets and the stalk, but remove the woody part at the top to avoid an unpleasant texture. Broccoli is full of antioxidants and adds a delicate yet fresh taste to your soup.
Cooking the vegetables
With the vegetables prepared, it's time to boil them. In a pressure cooker, add all the chopped vegetables along with enough water to cover them. Add salt and pepper to taste, then close the pot and let it boil for 30 minutes. You can reduce the cooking time if using a regular pot, but make sure the vegetables are well-cooked for easy blending.
A helpful trick: if you forgot about the pressure cooker, don't worry! A regular pot will work just as well, it will just require a little more cooking time.
Transforming the vegetables into soup
After the vegetables have boiled, let them cool slightly, then strain the vegetable broth. This broth is full of nutrients and flavors, so don't throw it away! Blend the vegetables using an immersion blender until you achieve a smooth and creamy texture. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender, but make sure to let the soup cool slightly to avoid accidents.
Meanwhile, in a pan, prepare a roux with olive oil and flour. Gradually add the strained vegetable broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Once you have a fluid consistency, add this mixture to the vegetable cream. Heat the soup on low for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
Finalizing and serving
In the end, adjust the soup with salt and pepper to taste. I recommend adding a few sprigs of chopped fresh parsley on top before serving for an extra touch of freshness and color. Broccoli cream soup is delicious both on its own and served with crunchy bread croutons. You can make croutons from stale bread by cutting it into cubes and frying them in a little olive oil with your favorite spices.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other vegetables instead of broccoli?
Yes! You can replace broccoli with cauliflower, carrots, or zucchini, depending on your preferences.
2. Is this soup suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for vegans as long as you use olive oil instead of butter.
3. How can I make the soup spicier?
If you like spicy food, add a little chili pepper or red pepper flakes during cooking.
4. What are the nutritional benefits of this soup?
Broccoli cream soup is rich in vitamins A, C, K, and minerals like calcium and iron. It also contains fiber that aids digestion.
A personal note
This broccoli cream soup was recommended to me by a good friend, who said it is his favorite recipe for cool days. I adapted it a bit to add a touch of personality, and since then, it has become a favorite in my family. I suggest you try it and personalize it to your taste!
Delicious combinations
To complement the meal, you can serve the soup with a fresh green salad and a glass of dry white wine or with a comforting green tea. You can also add a slice of toasted whole-grain bread for an extra nutrient boost.
I hope this broccoli cream soup recipe inspires you to enjoy cooking and treat your family to a healthy and tasty dish. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 2 carrots approx 100g, 2 medium onions, 100g celery, 1 medium red bell pepper, 1kg broccoli, 2 tablespoons of flour, 30ml olive oil, fresh parsley, salt, pepper
