Best Broccoli Soup
A hearty, creamy broccoli soup packed with fresh vegetables and savory flavors, perfect for cozy meals and family gatherings. Rich, nutritious, and easy to make.
Ingredients
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 4 cups chopped fresh broccoli
- 1 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped carrots ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 6 tablespoons margarine ⓘ
- 6 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 3 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 cups milk ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon minced parsley ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon onion salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
- Add chopped broccoli, celery, and carrots; boil for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Drain the vegetables and set aside.
- In the same kettle, sauté chopped onion in margarine until tender.
- Stir in flour to form a smooth paste.
- Gradually add chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly.
- Bring to a boil; boil and stir for 1 minute.
- Add the cooked vegetables along with parsley, onion salt, garlic powder, and salt.
- Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. If you're short on time, you can use frozen broccoli instead of fresh, just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Adding a dash of nutmeg can enhance the flavor. To make this soup vegan, substitute margarine with olive oil and use plant-based milk. For added protein, incorporate some cooked chicken or chickpeas.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the broccoli soup hot, garnished with additional chopped parsley or croutons for added texture. This soup pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Buffalo Style Chicken Pizza or Chicken And Shrimp Casserole for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, slowly warm the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Avoid boiling it again to prevent curdling.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best Broccoli Soup contains roughly 1038 calories, with 11g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 78g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (231% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (72% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (64% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1072mg per serving (47% 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 freeze this broccoli soup?
Yes, you can freeze the broccoli soup. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove.
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
If you need a vegetarian option, vegetable broth is a great substitute for chicken broth in this recipe. It will maintain the soup's flavor while catering to dietary preferences. You can also use homemade broth if available for a more robust taste.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat to the broccoli soup, consider incorporating a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during cooking. You could also blend in some fresh jalapeños or serve with a sprinkle of cayenne pepper on top for an extra kick.
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).