Healthy Broccoli Soup + Homemade Croutons
Indulge in the heartwarming goodness of this Healthy Broccoli Soup with Homemade Croutons. This easy recipe is not only a comforting meal for a cozy night in but also a wholesome way to incorporate nutritious broccoli into your diet.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, lunch, Soup
For the Broccoli Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup cream or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or Alpro's cooking cream
- salt and pepper to taste
- spring onions for topping optional.
Homemade Croutons:
- 4 cups bread cubes day-old bread works best
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs oregano, thyme, basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional but recommended side:
- bread rolls
- cheese I used a truffle cheese!
Instructions for the Soup:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place the fresh broccoli florets, onions and garlic into a baking pan. Mix with olive oil, salt and pepper, and bake until slightly golden.
In a pan, heat up the broth (chicken broth or vegetable broth) and add the broccoli, onions and garlic. Let cook, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the broccoli is tender.
Once the vegetables are soft, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don't have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the mixture to a blender and blend in batches.
Return the blended soup to the pot and stir in the milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you desire extra richness, add grated cheddar cheese and stir until melted and combined.
Allow the soup to simmer for a few more minutes, ensuring all the flavors meld together. Ladle the creamy broccoli soup into bowls, ready to be topped with homemade croutons.
Instructions for the Homemade Croutons:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut day-old bread into bite-sized cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Add olive oil, herbs, salt and pepper over the bread cubes, tossing them to ensure an even coating.
Spread the seasoned bread cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until the croutons are golden brown and crisp.
Serve and Enjoy: Top your bowls of healthy broccoli soup with a generous handful of homemade croutons just before serving. The crunchy texture and savory flavor will complement the velvety soup perfectly.
Keyword broccoli soup, healthy, Vegetarian