Best Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe

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Imagine a warm and creamy soup that wraps you up in a comforting embrace, satisfying your cravings for both comfort food and something healthy. Our Best Cream of Broccoli Soup recipe is the perfect balance of both. Made with fresh and simple ingredients like tender broccoli florets, fragrant onion, and a blend of buttery and savory flavors, this soup is the ultimate treat for your taste buds.

Whether you're a broccoli lover or a picky eater, this soup will have you coming back for seconds. So, take a break from your busy day and indulge in this homemade bowl of goodness. You deserve it.

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INGREDIENTS:

When it comes to making the best cream of broccoli soup, choosing the right ingredients is key. Let's start with the broccoli - look for bright green florets with firm stems. It's best to use fresh broccoli, but frozen broccoli can be a good alternative if fresh is not available.

For the chicken broth, homemade broth is always a great option, but if you're short on time, store-bought broth can work as well. Just make sure to choose a low-sodium variety so you can control the saltiness of the soup.

With these tips, you'll be able to choose the best ingredients for a delicious and comforting cream of broccoli soup.

MAIN STEPS:

One thing to be mindful of when making this Cream of Broccoli Soup is to avoid overcooking the broccoli. To maintain its vibrant green color and prevent it from becoming mushy, it's best to simmer it in the broth for no more than 10 minutes.

Additionally, when pureeing the soup, it's important to not fill the blender pitcher more than halfway full to avoid any hot liquid splashing out. For those who prefer a chunkier soup, consider blending the broccoli in batches or leaving some pieces unblended.

Finally, when thickening the soup with the flour and milk mixture, be sure to stir constantly to avoid any lumps forming. By following these tips, you'll end up with a delicious and perfectly creamy bowl of soup.

SERVED WITH:

Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic and simple pairing that complements the creaminess of the soup with the crispy and savory grilled cheese.

Garlic Bread: A popular side dish that originates from Italy. It is made with bread, butter, garlic, and herbs. The garlic bread adds a nice crunchy texture to the soup.

Caesar Salad: A classic salad that originated in Mexico, but popularized in the US. The tanginess of the Caesar dressing pairs well with the creaminess of the soup.

Beef Bourguignon: A French classic made with beef braised in red wine, beef broth, and vegetables. The richness of the beef dish pairs well with the creaminess of the soup.

Spanakopita: A Greek savory pastry made with spinach, feta cheese, onions, and phyllo dough. The flaky crust of the pastry pairs well with the creamy texture of the soup.

Naan Bread: A type of Indian flatbread made with flour, water, and yogurt. The bread's slightly tangy and chewy texture pairs well with the creaminess of the soup.

Apple Pie: A classic American dessert made with apples, sugar, cinnamon, and pastry. The sweet and spicy flavors of the pie complement the creamy and savory flavors of the soup.

Pumpkin Risotto: A creamy Italian rice dish made with pumpkin, cheese, and broth. The creamy textures of both dishes complement each other.

Hot Toddy: A warm and comforting alcoholic beverage made with whiskey, honey, lemon juice, and hot water. The warmth of the drink pairs well with the creaminess of the soup on a cold day.

Mango Lassi: A sweet and refreshing Indian yogurt-based drink made with mango, yogurt, sugar, and spices. The sweetness of the drink complements the savory flavors of the soup.

ALTERNATIVES:

If you're looking to switch up your menu but want to use some of the same ingredients as Best Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe, here are 10 delicious alternatives to try:

Broccoli and Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast: An American dish that is made by stuffing a chicken breast with a mixture of cooked broccoli florets and shredded cheddar cheese.

Creamy Broccoli Pasta: An Italian dish that combines al dente pasta with a rich, creamy sauce made with broccoli, garlic, cream, and parmesan cheese.

Broccoli Frittata: A Spanish dish that is similar to an omelette and made with beaten eggs, broccoli florets, onions, and cheese.

Broccoli and Cheese Casserole: An American dish that combines cooked broccoli with a creamy, cheesy sauce and is topped with breadcrumbs.

Cream of Asparagus Soup: A French dish that is similar to Best Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe but made with asparagus instead of broccoli.

Broccoli and Beef Stir-Fry: A Chinese dish that combines tender strips of beef with broccoli florets and a savory sauce.

Broccoli and Mushroom Quiche: A French dish that is made with a savory pastry crust, eggs, cream, cheese, and a mixture of cooked broccoli florets and mushrooms.

Broccoli and Cauliflower Gratin: A French dish that combines cooked broccoli and cauliflower with a rich, cheesy sauce and is baked until bubbly and golden brown.

Creamy Broccoli and Potato Soup: An Irish dish that is similar to Best Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe but made with potatoes for added creaminess.

Broccoli and Tuna Salad: An Italian dish that combines cooked broccoli florets with canned tuna, red onion, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette.

HISTORY:

The exact origin of the Cream of Broccoli Soup is unclear, but it is believed to have been created in France during the 18th century. Broccoli itself was introduced to France in the 16th century by Italian immigrants, and it became popular among the wealthy who valued its unique taste and nutrition.

The dish gained popularity in America during the 20th century, as many people began to focus on healthy eating and incorporating vegetables into their diets. As broccoli was already a well-known and well-loved vegetable, it made sense to incorporate it into a soup. The Cream of Broccoli Soup quickly became a popular staple in many American households.

Today, Cream of Broccoli Soup is still enjoyed by people all over the world, often served as an appetizer or as a light meal. It can be found in many restaurants and is also commonly made at home. Variations of the recipe have emerged over time, with some people adding additional ingredients such as cheese or bacon to enhance the flavor.

TIPS:

When making the Best Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe, consider the following tips:

Cut the vegetables into small, bite-sized pieces: By cutting the broccoli, onions, and celery into small pieces, they will cook evenly and quickly, making blending easier later on.

Sauté the onions and celery: By sautéing these aromatics first, their flavors become more pronounced and add depth to the soup.

Simmer the soup for a longer time: This allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a richer taste.

Use a blender to puree the soup: Blending the soup in batches until it is smooth and creamy gives it the signature texture.

Create a roux to thicken the soup: A roux made by melting butter and adding flour can be used to thicken the soup. Stirring constantly while adding milk to the roux will prevent lumps and burning.

Stir constantly once the roux has been added: To avoid sticking, be sure to stir the soup continuously.

Experiment with cream: For a richer and more indulgent version of the soup, consider using heavy cream instead of milk or adding a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche before serving.

Ingredients:

Conversions and Servings: Cups (1 Person) Cups (2 People) Cups (3 People) Cups (4 People) Cups (5 People) Cups (6 People) Cups (8 People) Imperial (1 Person) Imperial (2 People) Imperial (3 People) Imperial (4 People) Imperial (5 People) Imperial (6 People) Imperial (8 People) Metric (1 Person) Metric (2 People) Metric (3 People) Metric (4 People) Metric (5 People) Metric (6 People) Metric (8 People)

Directions:

01 - Begin by preparing the vegetables. Chop both Onion and Celery into similarly small pieces and set them aside.

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02 - Prepare the Broccoli. Take one head of Broccoli and chop it into small, bite-sized pieces.

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03 - In a medium-sized pot, melt a third of the Butter over medium heat.

04 - Once the Butter has melted, add the chopped Onion and Celery to the pot. Sauté the vegetables until they become tender and fragrant, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

05 - Add the chopped Broccoli to the pot along with the Broth. Cover the pot and let the Soup simmer for 10 minutes.

06 - After the Soup has simmered for 10 minutes, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Once it has cooled slightly, transfer the Soup to a blender, filling the pitcher no more than halfway full. Puree the Soup in batches until it is smooth and creamy... unless you prefer a chunkier soup. In that case you can leave some pieces of broccoli unblended or half blended.

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07 - Now prepare the thickening mixture. In a small saucepan, melt the remaining Butter over medium to medium-low heat.

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08 - Once the Butter has melted, stir in Flour and Milk until the mixture is smooth and has started bubbling.

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09 - Transfer the Soup back to the pot and combine it with the thickening mixture, and stir until well combined.

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10 - Season the Soup with Salt and Pepper to taste.

11 - Serve the soup hot and enjoy!

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Notes:

- Serving suggestions: Serve the soup with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. As a rule for all soups, this recipe can serve four people as a main course or six people as a side dish with the same amount for four people.

- Alternative ingredients: You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make this recipe vegetarian. Additionally, you can use coconut milk or almond milk as a dairy-free alternative to regular milk. If you are allergic to celery, you can omit it or replace it with an equal amount of chopped carrots.

- Storing the soup: You can store the leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months, but be sure to cool it completely before freezing.

- Adjusting consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add more flour to the thickening mixture or let the soup simmer for a longer period of time to reduce the liquid. If you prefer a thinner soup, you can add more milk or broth to the soup.

- Adding flavor: You can add other ingredients to the soup to enhance its flavor, such as garlic, thyme, or bay leaves. You can also garnish the soup with shredded cheese or croutons for extra texture. If you like your soup spicy, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.

- Avoid over-blending: If you prefer a chunkier soup, be sure not to over-blend the soup in the blender. You can leave some pieces of broccoli unblended or half blended to achieve your desired texture.

- Preparing the broccoli: Be sure to remove any tough stems from the broccoli before chopping it into small pieces.

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Written by: Uncut Recipes

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