This Pureed Broccoli Soup is super creamy and packed with healthy greens! With just broccoli, broth, and a hint of onion, it’s warm and comforting.
Honestly, who knew veggies could taste this good? A sprinkle of cheese on top makes it feel like a hug in a bowl. I like to serve it with crusty bread for dipping!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This adds a nice flavor to the soup. If you don’t have olive oil, you can use avocado oil or even butter for a richer taste.
Onion: A medium onion gives depth to the soup. If you’re short on onions, shallots or leeks are good substitutes. They add a slightly different flavor but work well!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is ideal, but you can use frozen florets if needed. Just remember to adjust cooking times since frozen vegetables may take less time to cook.
Potato: Potatoes make the soup creamy. If you’re looking for a low-carb option, try cauliflower instead. It blends well and maintains a nice texture.
Heavy Cream: For creaminess, heavy cream works great, but coconut milk is a fantastic dairy-free alternative. Just know it will impart a light coconut flavor.
Fresh Parsley: This is for garnish and adds freshness. If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use chives or even a sprinkle of green onions for a different touch.
How Can I Achieve a Smooth Puree Without Lumps?
Puring the soup is a key step for achieving that velvety texture. An immersion blender is great because it’s simple and you can do it right in the pot. If you’re using a regular blender, follow these tips:
- Let the soup cool slightly before blending to avoid hot splashes.
- Blend in small batches to ensure the lid doesn’t blow off. Fill your blender halfway.
- After blending, return the soup to the pot. If it seems too thick, stir in a bit more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Remember, it’s perfectly fine to leave a few small bits for texture! Enjoy the smooth creaminess!
How to Make Pureed Broccoli Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 large head of broccoli)
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 potato, peeled and diced (for creaminess)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free version)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Pureed Broccoli Soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need about 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and nutritious dish perfect for any day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it’s nice and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 more minutes until it smells wonderful.
2. Add Broccoli and Potato:
Next, stir in the broccoli florets and the diced potato. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step helps to slightly soften the broccoli before the broth is added.
3. Simmer the Soup:
Now it’s time to pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. You want the broccoli and potato to be nice and tender so they blend easily.
4. Blend Until Smooth:
Carefully remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until it’s smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches and blend it until smooth. Just be cautious with the hot liquid!
5. Stir in Cream and Season:
After blending, return the soup to the pot if you used a regular blender. Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and gently heat the soup through. Give it a taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Now it’s time to enjoy your delicious soup! Serve it hot and garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper for a lovely finish. Enjoy your warming bowl of Pureed Broccoli Soup!
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut milk works wonderfully to provide creaminess and a hint of sweetness. You can also use almond milk or cashew cream for a lighter version, but keep in mind the flavor will be different.
What If I Don’t Have Vegetable Broth?
No problem! You can easily substitute vegetable broth with water. To enhance the flavor, you can add a splash of soy sauce or a bit of miso paste while the soup is cooking. Just remember to adjust the salt accordingly since both can add saltiness!
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat the soup gently on the stove over low heat, or in the microwave. If the soup thickens upon sitting, feel free to add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! This soup is very versatile. Feel free to add other veggies like carrots, celery, or spinach. Just chop them up and add them to the pot along with the broccoli and potato to cook until tender. Blending will make everything nice and smooth!
