We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Food

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Broccoli Soup?

By S. N. Smith
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,523
Share

There are countless variations of broccoli soup, but a basic version involves pureed broccoli added to a base of stock, thickened with some form of cream sauce, and seasoned—with or without the addition of cheddar cheese. Basic broccoli soup is a flexible recipe, easily adjusted to accommodate dietary needs for reduced fat, lowered calories, reduced sodium, dairy intolerance or avoidance, and a variety of personal flavor preferences. Broccoli soup may be an inexpensive way to use up leftover vegetables from the previous night's dinner, or an indulgent affair laden with cream and cheese. Its simplicity makes it a good palette for the cook's creativity.

Cream of Broccoli Soup

1/4 cup (55 g) butter
1/4 cup (40 g) finely diced white onion
1 large stalk celery, diced finely
1/4 cup (30 g) flour
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 cups (475 ml) milk, warmed
1 quart (1 L) chicken or vegetable stock
6 cups (420 g) broccoli (florets and peeled stems), cut into pieces and steamed until tender

1. In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt butter. Sauté onion and celery just until vegetables are tender. Stir in flour and season lightly with salt and pepper. Let flour cook, stirring, for approximately two minutes. Whisk in warm milk all at once. Let cook, whisking continually, until thickened and bubbling.

2. Pour stock into white sauce mixture, whisking steadily. Cook until heated through. Add cooked broccoli pieces; continue to cook until hot.

3. Using an immersion blender, puree soup until it reaches desired consistency. Alternatively, puree in small batches in a food processor or blender. (Caution: Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions when pureeing hot liquids in these appliances.)

Variations:

  • Replace milk with half-and-half or light cream for a richer soup.
  • Stir 2 cups (225 g) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese into the white sauce base before adding the stock.
  • Experiment with adding herbs and spices such as thyme, garlic, or cayenne.
  • Replace the white onion with two large shallots, minced.
Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-broccoli-soup.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.