James' Broccoli Soup
A creamy, cheesy broccoli soup with ham and herbs, perfect for a comforting meal that balances fresh flavors with richness, ideal for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, cook broccoli in chicken stock with a bay leaf until tender, about 20 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf and puree the broccoli and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
- Return the pureed mixture to the pot.
- Melt butter in a small saucepan, add flour and mix well to create a roux.
- Add the roux to the soup and stir until blended.
- Add chopped parsley, dried thyme, dried sage, ground pepper, and Worcestershire sauce; stir to combine.
- Heat the soup on low until warmed through, then stir in heavy cream, shredded Cheddar cheese, and chopped ham.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg yolk and stir a little hot soup into it to temper, then add back to the pot, stirring constantly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding more heavy cream or using an immersion blender for a smoother puree. If you're out of chicken broth, vegetable broth can be a great substitute. Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor; try using fresh thyme instead of dried. Additionally, adding a pinch of nutmeg can elevate the taste profile, similar to flavors found in Broccoli Noodle Soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this rich broccoli soup with crusty bread or a light salad for a filling meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Barley Stew for a comforting dinner. For added texture, top the soup with croutons or a sprinkle of extra Cheddar cheese just before serving. Enjoy it as a starter or a main dish for a cozy gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much during storage, add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to restore its creamy consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of James' Broccoli Soup contains roughly 1534 calories, with 57g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 108g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (137% of the Daily Value), protein (115% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 561mg per serving (24% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omitting the ham. The flavors will still be robust and delicious. You can also enhance the umami flavor by adding mushrooms or nutritional yeast.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when you add the herbs. You can also serve the finished soup with a side of hot sauce for those who prefer a kick, allowing everyone to customize their bowl.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free alternative, try using coconut milk or a cashew cream. Just keep in mind that these alternatives may change the flavor slightly, but they will still work well in this recipe.
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).