Broccoli cream soup is a light and delicious dish that’s perfect for those chilly days when you want something warm and nutritious.
This creamy soup is great for all kinds of diets—whether you’re watching your calories, going vegetarian or vegan, or just looking to detox after the holidays. It’s also a fantastic option if you’re all about keeping things healthy and balanced.
Thanks to broccoli being low in calories, you can whip this up without any heavy cream or other high-calorie stuff, so you can enjoy the flavor without the guilt.
The main players in this soup are fresh or frozen broccoli, potatoes, onion (or leek), vegetable broth, and a splash of extra virgin olive oil. It’s a simple base recipe, but you can jazz it up with spices or toppings like pumpkin seeds or croutons.
It’s super easy to make, packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and you can enjoy it anytime!
How to Make Creamy Broccoli Soup
Making this broccoli and potato soup is a breeze, but there are a few tips to keep in mind for the best results.
- Pick Fresh Broccoli: Look for bright green, crisp florets. If you’re using frozen, just make sure to thaw them first.
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Go for white-fleshed potatoes, preferably organic. Don’t skip the initial sautéing step with leeks or shallots for extra flavor.
- Use Homemade Broth: If you can, make your own vegetable broth—it’s usually less salty and more natural than store-bought. If you’re short on time, low-salt stock cubes work too.
The secret to a creamy texture is blending everything until it’s smooth. If you want a lighter version without potatoes, toss in some Greek yogurt or ricotta for creaminess.
Calories: About 168 per serving
Total Calories: Around 675
Ingredients
- 500g broccoli
- 300g potatoes (about 2 medium)
- 1 onion
- 700ml vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pumpkin seeds or croutons (for garnish)
Instructions
- Wash and chop the broccoli into florets. If using frozen, thaw them first.
- Peel and dice the potatoes. In a pot, sauté the chopped onion in oil for about 5 minutes until soft.
- Add the broccoli and potatoes, stirring to mix.
- Pour in the hot vegetable broth and cook on medium heat for about 20 minutes until the veggies are tender.
- Blend everything with an immersion blender until smooth. If it’s too thick, add more broth.
- Season with salt and pepper, then serve with a drizzle of olive oil. Top with pumpkin seeds or croutons if you like!
Variations of Broccoli Cream Soup
This soup is super versatile, so feel free to mix it up!
- Creamy Broccoli and Carrot Soup: Toss in 2-3 peeled and sliced carrots, cook, then blend until creamy.
- Broccoli and Chickpea Soup: Add 200g of boiled or canned chickpeas for extra protein and nutrients.
- Broccoli and Zucchini Soup: Swap out some broccoli for 2 sliced zucchinis, cook, blend, and season.
Bimby Method
If you have a Bimby, you can make this soup even easier:
- Put the chopped broccoli and potatoes in the bowl.
- Add the vegetable stock and cook at 100°C for 20 minutes.
- Blend at speed 6-7 for 30 seconds, season, and serve.
Pairings and Presentation
This soup goes well with toasted bread croutons for a nice crunch or some toasted pumpkin seeds. You can sprinkle grated Parmesan or pecorino on top for extra flavor, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil.
For a fancy touch, serve it in deep white bowls to show off the color, and add a few fresh herbs on top.
Storage
Got leftovers? You can keep the soup in the fridge for 2-3 days. Just let it cool and store it in an airtight container. If you want to save it longer, freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm it slowly on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of broth or water if it’s too thick.
Health Benefits
Broccoli cream soup is not just tasty; it’s also packed with health benefits! Broccoli is a great source of vitamin C, which helps boost your immune system, and it’s high in fiber for good digestion. Potatoes provide complex carbs, and olive oil adds healthy fats.
With just under 170 calories per serving, this light soup is perfect for anyone looking to eat healthy without sacrificing flavor!
