Aunt Evelyn'S Cream Of Broccoli Soup
A comforting creamy broccoli soup with savory vegetables and herbs, perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner, appealing to vegetable lovers and comfort food enthusiasts.
Ingredients
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 stalk celery plus leaves, chopped ⓘ
- 1 potato, peeled and cubed
- 2 carrots, sliced ⓘ
- 1 to 2 cloves garlic
- 4 Tbsp. margarine
- 1/2 bunch broccoli, steamed until crisp-tender and coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 4 to 6 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 cup condensed, whole or half and half milk ⓘ
- 1 tsp. marjoram leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. Durkee spice ⓘ
- vegetable seasoning ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. lemon herb seasoning
- freshly ground pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large pot, sauté chopped onion, chopped celery and leaves, sliced carrots, peeled and cubed potato, and minced garlic in margarine.
- Add steamed and chopped broccoli and chicken broth to the pot.
- Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Puree the mixture in a blender, one cup at a time, then return to the pot.
- Add milk, marjoram leaves, vegetable seasoning, lemon herb seasoning, and freshly ground pepper.
- Cook over low heat, stirring often, until the soup is heated through and ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. You can substitute the potato with cauliflower for a lower-carb option. If you're looking for a creamier texture, try adding a splash of heavy cream or using half and half milk. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can also enhance the taste. For a twist, add a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting soup with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Aunt Edna'S Potatoes for a heartier spread. For an extra touch, sprinkle some grated cheese on top just before serving or add croutons for added crunch. A drizzle of olive oil can also elevate the presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. If the soup thickens too much, add a bit more chicken broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Evelyn'S Cream Of Broccoli Soup contains roughly 714 calories, with 10g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1190mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli for this recipe. Just steam it according to the package instructions until it's crisp-tender. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, but it will still taste great in the soup.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit any meat products. The flavors from the vegetables will still create a delicious and hearty soup that everyone can enjoy.
What can I add to make it more filling?
To make the soup more filling, consider adding cooked grains like quinoa or rice. You could also incorporate cooked chicken or beans for added protein. For a twist, try adding some diced potatoes or even pasta to the mix for a heartier dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).