Cream of broccoli soup

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Cream of broccoli soup is a type of soup made primarily with broccoli and cream. It is a popular dish in many parts of the world and is often served as a starter or a light meal. The soup is known for its rich, creamy texture and its vibrant green color.

Ingredients

The main ingredients in cream of broccoli soup typically include:

• Broccoli
• Heavy cream
• Butter
• Onion
• Garlic
• Chicken broth or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper
• Flour (optional, for thickening)

Preparation

The preparation of cream of broccoli soup generally involves the following steps:

1. **Sautéing**: The onion and garlic are sautéed in butter until they are soft and fragrant.
2. **Cooking the Broccoli**: The broccoli is then added to the pot along with the chicken broth or vegetable broth. The mixture is brought to a boil and then simmered until the broccoli is tender.
3. **Blending**: The soup is then blended until smooth. This can be done using an immersion blender directly in the pot or by transferring the soup to a blender in batches.
4. **Adding Cream**: After blending, the heavy cream is stirred into the soup. The soup is then heated through but not boiled, to prevent the cream from curdling.
5. **Seasoning**: Finally, the soup is seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.

Variations

There are many variations of cream of broccoli soup, including:

• **Cheesy Cream of Broccoli Soup**: Cheddar cheese or another type of cheese is added to the soup for extra flavor.
• **Vegan Cream of Broccoli Soup**: Coconut milk or another non-dairy milk is used in place of heavy cream, and vegetable broth is used instead of chicken broth.
• **Broccoli and Potato Soup**: Potatoes are added to the soup for additional thickness and flavor.

Serving

Cream of broccoli soup is typically served hot and can be garnished with various toppings such as:

• Croutons
• Shredded cheese
• Chopped parsley or other fresh herbs
• A drizzle of olive oil or cream

Nutritional Information

Cream of broccoli soup is a good source of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C and vitamin K from the broccoli. However, it can also be high in calories and fat due to the heavy cream and butter.

See Also

• Broccoli
• Soup
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Vegetable soup