Creamy Vegan Broccoli Soup
Try this Creamy Vegan Broccoli Soup recipe.
Try this Creamy Vegan Broccoli Soup recipe.
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 medium russet potato cooked (peel on or off - your choice) (i boil mine)
- 3/4 cups raw cashews soaked in water overnight or in boiling water for 1 hour
- 1 and 1/2 cups cooked white beans (equal to 1 standa
- 1/2 tablespoon yellow or white miso
- 1/2 tablespoon freshly-squeezed lemon juice white balsamic vinegar, or other acid
- 1 rib of celery diced or thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, peeled and diced
- salt to taste (i used a little under 1 teaspoon)
- 3 cups finely-chopped broccoli plus 1 cup roughly-chopped broccoli, divided (from about 1 large head of broccoli or 2 medium)
- Carbohydrate 36.9627708333333 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 17.1519083335746 g
- Fiber 5.38399999490628 g
- Protein 11.4218 g
- Saturated Fat 3.33502916669998 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -5 serving (396g)
- Sodium 657.823333333338 mg
- Sugar 31.578770838427 g
- Trans Fat 0.912812500006529 g
- Calories 328 calories
Step-by-step
- Drain the cashews and add them to a food processor or blender along with the cooked potato and white beans. Blend until smooth. This may take a couple of minutes with stopping to scrape down the sides; add liquid as needed to help blend.
- Add the nutritional yeast, miso, and lemon juice, and blend to combine.
- Remove from the food processor and set aside in a bowl. There is no need to clean out the food processor yet.
- Heat the olive oil in a stockpot over medium-low heat. Add the onion with a pinch of salt, and stir.
- Continue cooking the onion, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, 5-7 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the celery and carrot, stir, and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Add the vegetable broth, and bring the pot to a boil.
- While you wait, add the 1 cup of roughly-chopped broccoli to the food processor and pulse until broccoli is broken into crumb-sized pieces.
- After the pot boils, reduce it to a simmer.
- Stir in the reserved cashew cream mixture, all of the broccoli, and salt.
- Cover the pot, and cook covered for 12-16 minutes, stirring occasionally (making sure to scrape around the bottom and sides when you do), until the broccoli is bright green and tender, or cooked to your liking.
- Serve hot. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for a few days.
Creamy Vegan 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. Weeknights are often a whirlwind of homework help, soccer practice, and the ever-present struggle to get dinner on the table before everyone collapses from exhaustion. But what if I told you there's a recipe that's both nutritious and incredibly easy to whip up, even on the busiest of evenings? Enter my Creamy Vegan Broccoli Soup – a comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly simple dish that's become a staple in our home.
The beauty of this soup lies in its versatility and speed. I often prep the vegetables on the weekend, storing them in airtight containers in the fridge, making weeknight cooking a breeze. Soaking the cashews ahead of time is also a game-changer; it ensures a perfectly creamy texture without the need for any heavy creams or dairy products. The result is a velvety smooth soup that's surprisingly rich and satisfying, packed with the goodness of broccoli, without feeling heavy or overly indulgent.
Why this recipe works for busy lives:
- Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and soak cashews in advance.
- One-pot wonder: Minimal cleanup!
- Quick cooking time: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Healthy and nutritious: Packed with vitamins and fiber.
- Delicious and satisfying: The creamy texture and bold flavors will please everyone.
This soup is more than just a quick meal; it’s a little piece of self-care in a hectic world. The act of preparing something nourishing and delicious for my family is a small act of love that helps to balance the demands of everyday life. And let's be honest, the warm, comforting feeling of a bowl of creamy soup on a chilly evening is a much-needed hug on those long, tiring days.
Beyond the basics:
While this recipe is delicious as is, feel free to customize it to your taste. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds for added crunch. You can also experiment with different vegetables. Carrots and celery are classic additions, but feel free to add other seasonal vegetables like cauliflower, zucchini, or spinach. The possibilities are endless!
Serving suggestions:
Serve this soup hot, garnished with a dollop of vegan sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives. A crusty bread on the side is always a welcome addition, perfect for sopping up the creamy broth. This soup is also a fantastic lunch option – it’s equally delicious cold or reheated.
This Creamy Vegan Broccoli Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to the fact that healthy, delicious, and easy meals are entirely achievable, even amidst the chaos of a busy life. So go ahead, give it a try. I’m confident it will become a regular in your kitchen too, a warm and welcome addition to your repertoire of weeknight wonders.
More tips and variations:
- For a richer flavor, roast the broccoli before adding it to the soup.
- If you don't have miso paste, you can substitute soy sauce or tamari.
- For a thicker soup, add a tablespoon or two of cornstarch mixed with a little water.
- To make this soup ahead of time, prepare it according to the instructions, then store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
- This soup freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely before storing in freezer-safe containers. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Remember, cooking should be a joyful experience, not a source of stress. This recipe is designed to simplify the process, allowing you to nourish yourself and your loved ones without sacrificing precious time or energy. Enjoy!
