This cream of broccoli soup recipe promises a deliciously rich and velvety addition to your soup repertoire. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, this soup delivers on flavor and comfort. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a chilly day or a sophisticated starter for your next dinner party, this recipe has got you covered. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter, for sautéing the onions and celery
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 stalk of celery, chopped
- 5 cups chicken broth (for a vegetarian version, substitute with vegetable broth)
- 1 head of broccoli (choose dark green with firm stems), chopped
- 3 tablespoons butter, for the roux
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and celery, sautéing until they are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This base of sautéed vegetables will add a complexity and depth of flavor to your soup.
Cook the Broccoli
- Add Broccoli and Broth: To the pot, add the chopped broccoli and pour in the chicken (or vegetable) broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the broccoli is tender. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
Make the Roux
- Prepare the Roux: In a separate pot, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook, continually stirring, for about 2-3 minutes. This will cook off the raw flour taste and create a paste, which is the foundation of your roux.
- Add Milk: Gradually add the milk to the flour and butter mixture, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture has thickened. This creamy mixture will add a silky, velvety texture to your soup.
Combine and Season
- Combine and Puree: Add the thickened milk mixture to your pot of tender broccoli. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender to puree.
- Season: Add ground black pepper to taste. At this point, feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your personal preference. If the soup is too thick, you can thin it with a little more milk or broth.
Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls, and if desired, garnish with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream. Serve hot, accompanied by crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of your homemade cream of broccoli soup, a dish that marries simplicity with elegance and taste. You can also experiment with different variations, such as adding crumbled bacon or a sprinkle of paprika for some extra flavor. This versatile soup is perfect for any occasion and will surely become a family favorite. So go ahead and give this delicious recipe a try – your taste buds (and tummy) will thank you! Happy cooking! 🍲🥦
