French-Inspired Broccoli Purée Soup: Simple, Tasty, and Nutritious

Family recipe, this soup brings together the goodness of fresh vegetables with the rich taste of cheddar cheese and a hint of Dijon mustard. It’s a simple yet tasty meal that will bring joy to your table.

Preparation Time

  • Preparation: 15 minutes
  • Cooking: 30 minutes
  • Total: 45 minutes

Ingredients

Vegetables:

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1-2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 medium broccoli, chopped

Seasonings:

  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Liquids:

  • Olive oil
  • 50 ml (about 1/4 cup) water
  • 1 liter (about 4 cups) water
  • 250 ml (about 1 cup) cream or milk

Other:

  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 110 gr (about 4 oz) shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables:
    • In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
    • Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
    • Add the chopped carrots and cook for another 5 minutes.
  2. Cook the Broccoli:
    • Add the chopped broccoli to the pot.
    • Pour in 50 ml of water and cover the pot. Let the vegetables steam for about 5 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and tender.
  3. Add the Liquids:
    • Add 1 liter of water to the pot.
    • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender.
  4. Blend the Soup:
    • Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth.
  5. Season and Add Cream:
    • Return the pureed soup to the pot.
    • Stir in the Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to taste.
    • Add the cream or milk and stir well to combine.
  6. Finish with Cheese:
    • Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the pot and stir until the cheese is melted and well incorporated into the soup.
  7. Serve:
    • Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. You can garnish with a sprinkle of additional shredded cheddar cheese or a drizzle of cream if desired.

Serving Suggestions

This broccoli puree soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad. For a more indulgent meal, serve with a grilled cheese sandwich.

Cooking Tips

  • For a vegan version, substitute the cream or milk with a plant-based alternative and use vegan cheddar cheese.
  • To add more depth of flavor, you can roast the broccoli before adding it to the soup.

Nutritional Benefits

Broccoli is rich in vitamins K and C, and it’s a great source of fiber. This soup provides a nutritious and balanced meal, especially when paired with whole grains or a salad.

Dietary Information

  • Vegetarian (with dairy options)
  • Gluten-free

Storage Tips

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. This soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This broccoli puree soup is creamy, comforting, and packed with the fresh flavors of vegetables. The addition of cheddar cheese and Dijon mustard provides a delightful twist that elevates the taste. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that brings both comfort and nutrition to your meal.

Conclusion

Simple and delicious, this broccoli puree soup is a delightful addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, it’s sure to be a hit and bring a smile to everyone’s face, just like it did for my French grandfather. Enjoy!