This delicious broccoli soup is packed with nutritious vegetables and offers a comforting, soothing experience. Perfect for a light meal or a starter, this recipe is easy to prepare and tastes incredible. There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of homemade soup, especially when it’s packed with nutritious ingredients like broccoli, peas, and celery. This recipe is not only delicious but also perfect for soothing your stomach and providing a gentle, healing meal. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply craving something light and healthy, this broccoli soup is a wonderful choice.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• Olive oil: for sautéing
• 1 onion, chopped
• 500g broccoli, chopped
• 200g peas
• 300g celery sticks, chopped
• 1 liter vegetable broth
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon bianco balsamic vinegar
• 250ml soy cream
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Smoked tofu or some bread, for serving

Instructions:

Prepare the Ingredients:

1. Chop the Vegetables:
   • Begin by chopping the onion, broccoli, and celery sticks into small, manageable pieces. This will help them cook evenly and blend smoothly.
   • Measure out the peas, vegetable broth, bianco balsamic vinegar, and soy cream. Having all your ingredients prepped and ready will make the cooking process much smoother.

Sauté the Onion:

2. Heat the Oil:
   • In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Olive oil adds a rich flavor and healthy fats to the soup.
3. Sauté the Onion:
   • Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Sautéing the onion first helps to develop a deeper flavor base for the soup.

Add Vegetables and Broth:

4. Combine Vegetables:
   • Add the chopped broccoli, celery sticks, and peas to the pot. These vegetables are not only nutritious but also add a vibrant color to the soup.
5. Add Broth and Bay Leaves:
   • Pour in 1 liter of vegetable broth and add 3 bay leaves. The broth will serve as the soup’s base, while the bay leaves add an aromatic depth to the flavor.

Cook the Soup:

6. Simmer the Soup:
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the vegetables cook for about 12 minutes, or until they are tender. Simmering helps to blend the flavors together while cooking the vegetables to perfection.

Remove Bay Leaves:

7. Discard Bay Leaves:
   • Remove the bay leaves from the pot and discard them. They have done their job in infusing the soup with a subtle, aromatic flavor.

Blend the Soup:

8. Blend Until Smooth:
   • Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot. Blending the soup creates a creamy texture without needing to add too much cream.

Add Seasonings and Cream:

9. Season the Soup:
   • Stir in 1 teaspoon of bianco balsamic vinegar. This adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness of the vegetables.
   • Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning based on your preference.
10. Add Soy Cream:
    • Stir in 250ml of soy cream until well combined. The soy cream adds a velvety texture and richness to the soup, making it extra comforting.

Serve:

11. Garnish and Serve:
    • Garnish with some fresh parsley if desired. Fresh herbs add a burst of color and a hint of freshness to the soup.
    • Serve the soup hot with smoked tofu or bread on the side. The tofu or bread makes it a more substantial meal and complements the flavors perfectly.

Possible Questions:

1. Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
   • Yes, you can use fresh peas, but you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
2. Is there a substitute for soy cream?
   • You can use any plant-based cream or even regular cream if you prefer.
3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
   • Yes, this soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Tips:

• Ensure Smooth Blending: Blend the soup in batches if necessary to avoid splattering hot liquid.
• Customize the Flavor: Adjust the seasoning to your taste. You can add other herbs or spices if desired.
• Serving Suggestions: Smoked tofu or crusty bread makes a perfect accompaniment to this soup.

Nutritional Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 300mg