Broccoli cream soup

Broccoli cream soup is a delicious and comforting dish, perfect for chilly days or when you want to add a touch of health to your plate. This soup is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients, based on simple and accessible ingredients. Here’s how you can prepare this quick and savory recipe, step by step.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 400-500 g of fresh broccoli
- 2 medium carrots
- 2-3 green onions
- 3 medium potatoes
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 2 tablespoons of yogurt (you can use Greek yogurt for a creamier texture)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Nutmeg, to taste
- Fresh dill, for garnish

Brief history:
Broccoli cream soup has deep roots in healthy cuisine, being a dish that gained popularity in recent decades, in the context of increasing interest in plant-based foods and their benefits. This soup is not only an excellent source of vitamins but also a pleasant way to introduce vegetables into daily meals, especially for children.

Step by step:

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by peeling the onion, carrots, and potatoes. Cut the carrots and potatoes into small cubes for quicker cooking. Break the broccoli into small florets, and you can peel and cut the stem into smaller pieces, using the softer part.

Step 2: Boiling the vegetables
In a large pot, add water and a little salt, then bring to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the carrots and potatoes. Let them boil for about 10 minutes until they become soft. Then, add the broccoli florets and boil everything together for another 5-7 minutes until the broccoli becomes tender.

Step 3: Preparing the garlic
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the crushed garlic cloves, allowing them to infuse in the butter for a few minutes. This will add a subtle and delicious flavor to your soup.

Step 4: Blending the vegetables
After all the vegetables are cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water and transfer them to a blender. Don’t forget to keep the broth in which the vegetables were boiled, as you will use it to dilute the vegetable cream.

Step 5: Creating the cream
Add the garlic and butter mixture over the vegetables in the blender. Add the yogurt and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Start blending, gradually adding some of the vegetable broth until you achieve the desired consistency. You can adjust the soup's thickness by adding more or less broth, depending on your preferences.

Step 6: Serving
Once you have a smooth and homogeneous cream, pour the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh dill. You can also add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for extra flavor.

Useful tips:
- If you want a vegan soup, you can replace the yogurt with soy yogurt or coconut milk.
- For a spicy kick, you can add a pinch of chili powder or chili flakes.
- This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, and the flavor intensifies the next day.

Ideal pairings:
Broccoli cream soup pairs wonderfully with toasted bread croutons or a fresh green salad. You can accompany your dinner with a glass of dry white wine or herbal tea for a complete culinary experience.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli is a good alternative, but make sure to let it thaw before adding it to the soup.

2. How can I make the soup more filling?
You can add a cup of cooked white beans or chickpeas to increase the protein and fiber content.

3. Is this soup suitable for children?
Absolutely! Broccoli cream soup is a great way to introduce vegetables into children's diets, thanks to its creamy texture and delicate flavor.

Nutritional benefits:
Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamins C and K, being rich in antioxidants. This soup is not only nourishing but also an ally against inflammation and chronic diseases. Additionally, carrots provide a significant amount of beta-carotene, and the added yogurt offers beneficial probiotics for digestion.

I hope you enjoy this broccoli cream soup recipe! It’s a perfect choice for a healthy, tasty, and comforting meal. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 400-500 g of broccoli, 2 carrots, 2-3 green onions, 3 potatoes, 2 cloves of garlic, 1 tablespoon of butter, 2 tablespoons of yogurt, salt, pepper, nutmeg, marjoram.