Easy Broccoli Soup
I saw this being made on TV and thought it looked really good. On the programme they said to serve with toasted slices of french bread which were topped with crumbled blue cheese and grilled. I didnt have any on hand so I topped mine with parmesan cheese. I also, the second time round added some chopped bacon and simmered for another 15 mins after I had blended the soup. You could also top each bowl of soup with a spoon of cream for a special occasion.
I saw this being made on TV and thought it looked really good. On the programme they said to serve with toasted slices of french bread which were topped with crumbled blue cheese and grilled. I didnt have any on hand so I topped mine with parmesan cheese. I also, the second time round added some chopped bacon and simmered for another 15 mins after I had blended the soup. You could also top each bowl of soup with a spoon of cream for a special occasion.
- salt & freshly ground black pepper
- 1 onion (diced)
- 1 -2 tablespoon oil
- 2 cloves (minced or use 2teasp from a jar)
- 1 large head broccoli (trimmed and chopped about 500g)
- 1 potato (peeled & diced or leave skin on if you pre
- 6 cups chicken stock (homemade from a carton or use 6teasp granules to 6 cups water or to your
- 2 -3 slices bacon (diced optional variation)
- Carbohydrate 0 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 0 g
- Saturated Fat 0 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving(s) (2g)
- Sodium 25.8386666666667 mg
- Sugar 0 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Calories 0 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large deep pan heat the oil over medium and add the onion & garlic. Cook gently until softened for about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the potato, broccoli and stock and bring to the boil.
- Turn heat down and simmer for 20 mins until vegetables are cooked.
- Either pour into a blender and blend or use a stick blender in pan to make a smooth mixture.
- If using a blender add soup back to the pan and heat gently.
- It is at this point you can add the chopped bacon and simmer til bacon is cooked, about 15 mins, then check seasoning.
- If not adding the bacon, check seasoning and add salt & pepper to taste & reheat gently.
- Serve in nice bowls with slices of french bread which have been toasted on one side, turned over and topped with either blue cheese or whatever cheese you have on hand and grilled for a few mins til melted & crispy, on the side.
Easy Broccoli Soup: A Simple Weeknight Delight
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a Herculean task. My days are a whirlwind of meetings, school runs, and trying to squeeze in a workout or two. So, when I stumbled across this broccoli soup recipe (adapted from a TV show, naturally!), it was a game changer. It’s quick, easy, and surprisingly elegant—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend lunch.
The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. I first made it exactly as it was presented on TV – the toasted bread and blue cheese topping made for a delightful contrast to the creamy soup. But, feeling adventurous, my second attempt included crispy bacon for a smoky depth of flavor, and it was absolutely heavenly! What I love most about this soup is its versatility. On some nights, a simple sprinkle of Parmesan is all I need. On others, it's a dollop of cream and maybe a little bit of fresh parsley. Each adaptation is a little bit of culinary magic that enhances the simple ingredients.
The core recipe itself is straightforward. Dice an onion and sauté it gently with some garlic. Throw in the chopped broccoli and diced potatoes, then let it simmer in chicken stock until the vegetables become tender. A quick whiz with an immersion blender, a sprinkle of seasoning, and voila! Your warm and comforting bowl of soup is ready. That alone is a quick twenty-minute meal, but even faster with some prep ahead.
However, it's the variations that truly elevate this humble soup into something special. I've experimented with different cheeses – sometimes I use what I have on hand and it's still always delicious! Some days, I don't have much time and I opt out the bread topping altogether. I often throw in some leftover cooked chicken or some sausage if I feel like adding some protein. The key is to not be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
Pro-Tip: Preparing the vegetables in advance – dicing the onion and garlic, chopping the broccoli, and peeling/dicing the potatoes—allows you to pull this together in a matter of minutes. That little step makes such a huge difference in those busy days when dinner prep time is a precious commodity. This is truly a recipe for every occasion – a quick weeknight meal or a more sophisticated dinner party (with a little extra finesse). It also makes a wonderful batch to take to a potluck or to freeze for a busy future week.
This broccoli soup recipe is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the power of simple, fresh ingredients and a little bit of creativity. It's a reminder that even the busiest schedules can accommodate delicious, healthy, and homemade food. So next time you're short on time but craving a comforting and flavorful meal, remember this easy and adaptable broccoli soup. It's a recipe that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen, just as it has in mine.
This isn’t just a soup; it’s a time-saver, a crowd-pleaser, and a testament to the power of simple elegance in the kitchen. So ditch the takeout menus and embrace the simplicity and flexibility of this broccoli soup! You'll be surprised how quickly it becomes a beloved family favorite. I know it's one of mine.
And remember, cooking is an adventure. Don't be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. Add your own personal touches, and let it reflect your unique style and preferences. Ultimately, the best recipes are the ones we adapt to create our own memories and family traditions.
