Let’s be honest here, broccoli isn’t exactly really everyone’s favorite vegetable. But here is the thing – it is incredibly healthy! I have been on a mission to find a way to make it delicious that even the pickiest eaters (yes, kids included!) will love it. One of the easiest and tastiest ways to enjoy broccoli is in the form of a creamy, comforting soup that is both nutritious and satisfying.
I have to admit, I wasn’t always a big fan of broccoli myself. But after experimenting with different recipes, I have discovered a creamy broccoli soup that I actually enjoy making and eating as well! It’s rich, flavorful, and unbelievably simple to prepare.
Why should we eat broccoli?
Broccoli is a loaded with nutrients! It is rich with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that we need to boost our immune systems, especially in today’s world. It is also high in fiber and low in calories, making it a perfect addition to our meals. Whether you are adding it to soups (as we do now), salads, or simply roasting it as a side, broccoli is an easy and delicious way to give your family a nutrient boost without much effort and pushbacks.
This recipe is an easy and delicious way to get all those health benefits without compromising on taste. So let me show you how I make this creamy flavourful soup.
What do I need to make this healthy broccoli cream soup?
Broccoli – The star of the dish! While frozen broccoli works well, I always reach for fresh broccoli when possible. Just clean it well, and cut off the thick, tough stems at the bottom. Don’t through them out! You can save them for stews, broths, or simply slice them and toss as salads topping. Reducing food waste, one step at a time! Or just freeze them until next time you cook a broth.
Onion – One small onion brings the perfect sweet and rich flavor that enhances the taste of the broccoli.
Garlic – Rich with antioxidants, garlic adds so much flavor. If you are feeling lazy, swap it out for a tablespoon of my homemade garlic paste, it works just as well and saves time.
Vegetable Broth – Homemade broth is always the best, but organic store-bought is a great alternative when you are in a rush. Broth not only adds flavor, but also infuses the soup with extra nutrients. Also, if you make your own, you can control the salt and toss in extra veggies!
Carrot – One medium carrot, because no soup is complete without it in my kitchen.
Sweet potato – I love what sweet potato brings to soups! Its creamy texture and sweet flavour work wonders, adding richness and depth to the soup.
Celery – Don’t forget the leaves for extra flavor! Celery is low in calories, high in vitamins, and adds a lovely crunch and freshness.
Spices – Season with salt and pepper to taste, and throw in some fresh dill or sage to elevate the flavors.
Olive Oil – I recommend light olive oil or high-heat substitutes like avocado oil for cooking the veggies.
Sour cream – To my opinion, the sour cream brings all flavours to perfection and helps getting that perfect smooth texture. Usually, the sour cream makes things easier each time my kids are not too fond of a meal.
Optional but highly recommended – a sprinkle of fresh or dry parmesan cheese for extra flavour and just a bit of chilly flakes.
Great tools to have in your kitchen
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Dutch Oven – I can’t say enough about how much I love my Dutch oven! It is my top and favourite kitchen tool, and if you want to know why, check out my post, 9 Reasons Why You Need a Dutch Oven in Your Kitchen. It’s seriously a game-changer.
Blender or Food Processor – I usually use a hand mixer for my cream soups, but a good blender or food processor works wonders! These tools make it so easy to get that silky smooth texture, plus they are super handy for blending up garlic paste, smoothies, chopping veggies—basically anything. The possibilities are endless, and they make kitchen tasks so much easier! Here are my top 3 affordable recommendations for you:
- Cuisinart Food Processor – This is a powerful and user-friendly processor with compact design that fits any counter. It has reversible blades for slicing, shredding, chopping, and mixing, plus easy settings like High, Low, and Pulse. Best of all, its dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup a breeze!
- Kitchen Aid Food Processor – I love my Kitchen Aid processor. It is large enough to prep dough, slice veggies, and mix sauces, and yet it is compact for easy storage. It also comes with multiple blades, simple controls to help you chops, slice, puree with ease. It will definitely save you time and effort in the kitchen!
- Cuisinart Stick Hand Blender – Stick blender is easy to use, and what is the best is that you can do blending right in your pot or bowl. It also has adjustable speeds, comes with useful accessories like a chopper and whisk. Plus, it’s easy to store and clean, making it a great kitchen tool! I personally used it, and I love it!
Healthy Broccoli Cream Soup
Course: SoupsDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes30
minutes40
minutesOne of the easiest and tastiest ways to enjoy broccoli is in the form of a creamy, comforting soup that is both nutritious and satisfying. Let's me show you how easy and delicious it can be.
Ingredients
1 large broccoli head (full crown)
1 small onion
3-4 garlic cloves
4 cups vegetable broth
1 medium carrot
1 small sweet potato
1 streak of celery, including leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
1-2 leaves of fresh sage or a bit of chopped fresh dill (optional, but highly recommended)
olive oil
- For serving
dollop of sour cream
Fresh or grated Parmesan cheese (optional but highly recommended)
Chili flakes (optional but highly recommended)
Directions
- Wash the broccoli well and separate the florets into smaller pieces. Trim the thick stems, but don’t toss them! Save them for broths, stews, or sliced salad toppings.
- In a Dutch oven, heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, celery, and carrots (they don’t need to be perfectly chopped—1-2 inch pieces work great). Sauté until softened, about 5-10 minutes.
- Peel and chop the sweet potato into small cubes and toss them in with the veggies.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for a couple more minutes, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t burn.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, season with salt and pepper, and stir. If you are using fresh sage or dill, toss that in now. Cover and let it simmer over medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes.
- Add the broccoli florets and cook, covered, for another 10-15 minutes, until the broccoli softens enough to blend.
- Turn off the heat and let the soup rest for about 10 minutes.
- Carefully scoop the vegetables into a blender along with some of the broth. Adjust the liquid as needed to get the perfect creamy texture.
- Once blended, return the soup to the pot (removing any extra leftover liquid) and stir in a tablespoon of butter. If you have herb butter, even better—it will take the flavors to the next level!
- Serving
- Ladle the soup into bowls, add a dollop of sour cream and finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan, and a pinch of chili flakes for a little kick. Enjoy!
Recipe Video
Notes
- For the final touch, if you prefer, you can drizzle some olive oil over the soup instead of adding butter.
- You can substitute the broccoli with a cauliflower, spinach or kale. Process is very similar, except the leafy greens that need less time to cook.
Have you made the recipe?
Please let me know how it turned out and share a photo on Instagram with a hashtag #chickinapron and pin my recipe. I would also be happy to learn about any variations or substitutions you used. Your feedback and creativity absolutely inspire me! Thank you!
How About Sharing?
You know what they say, “Sharing is caring!”. So, if you liked this recipe, go ahead and spread the word!
Want to try another healthy soup? Check this one out
Easy Vegetable Ginger Soup
Super easy and absolutely delicious vegetable soup to make, using simple and sustainable ingredients.
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