Cream of Broccoli (Printable)

A velvety soup blending fresh broccoli with aromatic vegetables, finished with cream for rich flavor.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 large head broccoli, approximately 1 pound, chopped into florets
02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Liquids

05 - 4 cups vegetable broth
06 - 1/2 cup heavy cream, plus extra for garnish optional

→ Fats and Seasonings

07 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
08 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
10 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
11 - Pinch of ground nutmeg, optional

→ Garnish

12 - Fresh chives, finely chopped, optional
13 - Croutons, optional

# Directions:

01 - Heat the butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and garlic. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
02 - Add the chopped broccoli florets and stir to combine. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
03 - Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until the broccoli is very tender.
04 - Remove from heat. Using an immersion blender or working in batches with a countertop blender, blend the soup until completely smooth.
05 - Stir in the heavy cream and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently reheat over low heat if needed, but do not boil after adding cream.
06 - Ladle into bowls. Garnish with extra cream, chives, or croutons as desired. Serve hot.

# Helpful Hints:

01 -
  • The texture is impossibly silky without any fancy techniques or ingredients
  • It comes together in under an hour but tastes like it simmered all day
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day
02 -
  • Never boil the soup after adding cream or it will separate and look curdled
  • Blending hot soup requires caution—vent the blender and hold the lid tight with a towel
  • An immersion blender is worth the investment if you make soup regularly
03 -
  • Use the broccoli stalks peeled and diced for less waste and more flavor
  • Test the seasoning after blending since flavors concentrate when pureed
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