Broccoli puree soup is a creamy, comforting dish that highlights the fresh, slightly earthy flavor of broccoli. It’s a great way to enjoy a nutritious vegetable in a velvety, smooth soup. Here’s a simple recipe to make broccoli puree soup:
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of broccoli (about 4 cups of florets, chopped)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
- 1 medium potato (peeled and diced, for added creaminess, optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Lemon juice (a splash, optional, for brightness)
- Fresh parsley or chives (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Prepare the broccoli:
- In a large pot, heat the butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Cook the vegetables:
- Add the chopped broccoli florets and diced potato (if using) to the pot. Cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the broth and add the thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the broccoli and potato are tender.
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Blend the soup:
- Remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth.
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Add cream and adjust seasoning:
- Return the soup to the pot if needed. Stir in the heavy cream and heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Add a splash of lemon juice if desired for extra brightness.
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Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chives.
Tips:
- Texture: For a chunkier texture, you can blend only part of the soup and leave some pieces of broccoli whole.
- Flavor Variations: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of cayenne pepper for added depth and warmth. You can also include a bit of grated cheese for extra richness.
- Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth to keep the soup vegetarian-friendly.
This broccoli puree soup is smooth, rich, and packed with the flavor of fresh broccoli, making it a satisfying and healthy option for any meal.
