This Cream of Broccoli Soup can be made with or without heavy cream, make it as healthy or indulgent as you want! Potatoes are blended into the soup to make it thick and creamy, or cauliflower can be used for a low carb option.
5cupsbroccoli floretscut into chunks (about 2 large heads)
5cupschicken brothuse low sodium if preferred
1Tablespoonsoy sauce(or Worcestershire sauce)
2Russet potatoesequal to 1 pound
¾cupHalf and Halfor heavy cream
1cupCheddar Cheeseoptional
Instructions
Heat butter and olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, celery, and carrots and sauté for 5 minutes, until softened.
Add minced garlic, ½ tsp rosemary, ½ tsp thyme, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper, and 1 pinch cayenne. Sauté for 1 minute.
Stir in the broccoli and sauté for 5 minutes, partially covered.
Peel/rinse the potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes .
Add diced potatoes, chicken broth, and soy sauce to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium.
Let simmer, partially covered, until the vegetables are very fork tender. About 20 minutes.
Remove from heat. Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender in batches to blend until smooth.
Heat the half and half in the microwave for 30 seconds and stir it into the soup.
Garnish with cheese if desired and serve.
Notes
This soup makes approximately 12 cups, nutrition facts are based on the optional addition of cream and cheese.
Pro Tips
Cauliflower can be used instead of potatoes for a low-carb option, or a mixture of both can also be used.
The addition of cream is optional, the soup is very flavorful without it.
Cut the broccoli into smaller pieces to allow it to cook more quickly.
For low sodium soup: Use unsalted butter, reduced sodium broth, and/or only add salt to taste if desired.
If adding cheese, shred it from a block so that it tastes better and melts well. Bagged shredded cheese contains cellulose which prevents it from melting as well. (It's purpose is to prevent the cheese from clumping together in the bag.)