Vegan Broccoli Soup Recipe

Introduction

This vegan broccoli soup is a comforting, creamy dish packed with nutrients and flavor. Perfect for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner, it’s easy to prepare and can be enjoyed on its own or paired with crusty bread. The combination of fresh broccoli, garlic, and spices creates a deliciously satisfying soup that everyone will love!

Ingredients

For the Soup:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups broccoli florets (about 2 heads of broccoli)
  • 1 medium potato, peeled and diced (for creaminess)
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon nutritional yeast (optional, for a cheesy flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (optional, for color and health benefits)
  • Juice of 1 lemon (to brighten the flavor)

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
  • Pumpkin seeds or toasted croutons

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

  1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add Onion and Garlic: Sauté the chopped onion for about 5 minutes, or until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

  1. Add Broccoli and Potato: Add the broccoli florets and diced potato to the pot. Stir to combine.
  2. Pour in the Broth: Add the vegetable broth, nutritional yeast (if using), salt, black pepper, and turmeric. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

  1. Cook Until Tender: Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the broccoli and potato are tender.

Step 4: Blend the Soup

  1. Blend Until Smooth: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend until creamy. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup and leave the rest as is.

Step 5: Add Lemon Juice

  1. Stir in Lemon Juice: After blending, return the soup to the pot (if using a blender) and stir in the lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Serve

  1. Garnish and Enjoy: Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro and topped with pumpkin seeds or croutons if desired.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximately)

  • Calories: 150
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Dietary Fiber: 5g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 4g

Tips for Success

  • Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as carrots or celery, for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months.
  • Creamier Texture: For an even creamier soup, you can add a splash of coconut milk or cashew cream before serving.

Conclusion

This vegan broccoli soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a healthy, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful soup with friends and family!