Name: Creamy Broccoli Soup
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1½ pounds (7 to 8 cups) broccoli, (stems peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks, florets broken into medium-sized pieces); 1 large onion, (diced); 1 tablespoon butter; ¼ teaspoon granulated white sugar; 3 cloves garlic, (sliced); 1½ teaspoons dry mustard; ½ teaspoon dried basil; ¼ teaspoon dried oregano; ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper; 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1½ cups whole milk or half & half cream; salt and freshly ground black pepper; 6 tablespoons pine nuts, (toasted (optional))

Creamy Broccoli Soup

Surely you grew up eating cream of mushroom soup and cream of chicken soup, right? At least those were probably added to recipes that your Mom made… recipes she clipped from Betty Crocker or magazines aimed at stay-at-home Mom’s. This is the vision I have of cream soups. I was a child of the 70’s.

No one really goes for those canned cream soups much anymore, and this recipe isn’t anything like them.

In this Creamy Broccoli Soup recipe, broccoli and onion are sautéed with butter and oil and plenty of herbs and spices. Chicken or vegetable broth is added in, and the broccoli is simmered until tender.

The broccoli is then pureed in a blender or food processor, and then it’s returned to the pan.

To create more of a creamy texture, milk is added in. I use whole milk, and I find that creamy enough. You can certainly use half and half cream if you prefer a richer texture.

This is such a simple, healthy soup. I love the creamy texture, and there are plenty of vegetables in there for you! If you happen to be following the Weight Watchers WW plan, you will find a link to the WW Points on the recipe card at the end of this post.

I’m a big fan of pine nuts, so I like to add the optional pine nuts to individual servings of this soup. Make sure you toast them, since that brings out their best flavor. You can also choose to garnish with a few extra herbs.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli, then onion, and sauté, stirring frequently until the broccoli starts to turn golden brown, 7 to 8 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and add butter, sugar, and garlic. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are a rich caramel color, about 10 minutes longer.
Add the dried herbs and spices and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add the broth and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, partially covered, until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
Transfer to a food processor and puree in batches.
Return soup to the skillet (or pour into a pot if the skillet will not hold the milk). Add enough milk to thin the soup to desired consistency, season with salt and pepper to taste, and heat through. Ladle into bowls, sprinkle pine nuts on top (if using), and serve.