Healthy Broccoli Soup
Soup is the best comfort food in the dead of winter. But the middle of winter, is when most of us rededicate ourselves to healthier eating. This recipe for Broccoli Soup, achieves both. It’s healthy and warming for a winters day. The original recipe is from Eating Well. This is our experience making this delicious, easy to make soup.
This is super easy to make and comes together in just a short time. That’s why it’s a great lunch soup on a very cold day. Start by chopping the broccoli.
Chop the rest of the Veggies.
In this version, we used fresh thyme but parsley could be used as well. Start by sautéing the veggies in a Dutch oven.
After the veggies are soft add the garlic, thyme, salt and pepper. Next add the broccoli then the chicken broth.
Bring to a High Simmer
Once the soup is simmering, cover and reduce heat, cooking for about 8-10 minutes. Once the broccoli is tender to a fork, it’s ready to blend. The original version of this soup directs to add to a blender. If you have a good immersion blender, I would highly recommend using that instead.
By using the immersion blender, you don’t have to worry about transferring the hot soup. Be sure to fully blend all the chopped broccoli.
Lunch is Ready!
In less than 45 minutes, the soup is fully cooked. Pair it with a grilled cheese on whole wheat for a delicious, warm, yet healthy lunch.
Broccoli Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme or parsley
- 8 cups chopped broccoli (stems and florets)
- 2 cups water
- 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth, "no-chicken" broth or vegetable broth
- ½ cup half-and-half (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat butter and oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat until the butter melts. Add onion and celery; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 4 to 6 minutes. Add garlic and thyme (or parsley); cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 10 seconds.
- Stir in broccoli. Add water and broth; bring to a lively simmer over high heat. Reduce heat to maintain a lively simmer and cook until very tender, about 8 minutes.
- Puree the soup in batches in a blender until smooth. (Use caution when pureeing hot liquids.) Or, using an immersion blender, blend right in the pot. Stir in half-and-half (if using), salt and pepper. Enjoy!
