Fresh Broccoli Soup
Fresh Broccoli Soup is a creamy and comforting dish that highlights the vibrant flavors of broccoli, complemented by the savory notes of onion and celery. Perfect for chilly days, this soup is a wholesome option for families or anyone looking to enjoy a nutritious meal.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 lb. fresh broccoli ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large carrot, scraped and diced ⓘ
- 1 celery stalk, chopped ⓘ
- 1 c. water
- 3 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 c. milk ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 1/4 c. shredded sharp American cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- carrot curls to garnish ⓘ
Instructions
- Trim off large leaves of broccoli and remove tough ends of lower stalks.
- Wash broccoli thoroughly and chop.
- Place broccoli in a Dutch oven; add water to a depth of 1 inch.
- Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother soup, consider blending the broccoli after cooking. If you're out of chicken broth, vegetable broth works well as a substitute for a vegetarian option. You can also use half-and-half instead of milk for a creamier texture. Adding a pinch of nutmeg can enhance the flavor profile. For a kick, try incorporating a dash of hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with carrot curls for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Baked Chicken In Rice. This soup also works well as a starter for a cozy dinner or a light lunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a bit of water or milk to reach your desired consistency. Avoid boiling to preserve the creamy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fresh Broccoli Soup contains roughly 341 calories, with 11g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), iron (23% of the Daily Value), and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 784mg per serving (34% 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 make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be reheated when you're ready to serve, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after refrigeration.
Can I freeze the broccoli soup?
While it's possible to freeze the soup, the dairy ingredients may separate upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, consider omitting the milk and cheese before freezing, then add them in when reheating for the best texture.
What can I add to enhance the flavor?
You can enhance the flavor by adding garlic or leeks during the sautéing stage. Fresh herbs like thyme or dill can also elevate the taste. For a different twist, try adding a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for some heat.
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).