Name: Warming Italian Broccoli Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb fresh broccoli, chopped; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup milk or a dairy alternative; Salt and pepper to taste; Olive oil for sautéing; Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

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A warm, simple soup that comforts on cool nights and uses fresh broccoli and pantry staples.

Table of Contents

introduction

This Warming Italian Broccoli Soup is easy to make and fills your home with good smells. It is light, creamy, and quick. If you like other simple Italian soups, try a related idea like Italian penicillin soup for more flavor ideas.

why make this recipe

Make this recipe because it is fast, healthy, and uses few ingredients. It warms you on a cold day and is a good way to use fresh broccoli. The soup is mild and welcomes changes for taste or diet.

how to make Warming Italian Broccoli Soup

You cook the vegetables, blend them smooth, then add milk for creaminess. Use steady heat and taste for salt and pepper. For other simple soup ideas that are easy to adapt, see a list of easy potato soup ideas that use the same basic steps.

Ingredients :

1 lb fresh broccoli, chopped, 1 onion, diced, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 cup milk or a dairy alternative, Salt and pepper to taste, Olive oil for sautéing, Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Directions :

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until translucent.
Add the chopped broccoli and vegetable broth, bring to a simmer.
Cook until the broccoli is tender, about 10-15 minutes.
Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or a regular blender.
Stir in the milk and season with salt and pepper.
Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

how to serve Warming Italian Broccoli Soup

Serve hot in bowls with grated Parmesan on top if you like. Add a drizzle of olive oil or a few croutons for texture. This soup goes well with crusty bread or a light salad. For a fuller meal idea that pairs with broccoli dishes, you can try a side like Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rice Casserole.

how to store Warming Italian Broccoli Soup

Cool the soup to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring and adding a splash of milk if it gets too thick. You can freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make Warming Italian Broccoli Soup

Use fresh broccoli for the best color and flavor.
Cook the broccoli until very soft for a smooth, creamy texture.
If you use a regular blender, cool the soup a bit and blend in batches to avoid splashes.
Adjust milk amount to make the soup thicker or thinner.
Taste and add salt and pepper slowly.

variation (if any)

Add cooked potatoes for a thicker, heartier soup.
Stir in cooked pasta for a broccoli pasta soup.
Use cream or a nut milk for a richer finish.
Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes. Use the same amount, but reduce the cooking time slightly since frozen broccoli softens faster.

Q: Can I make this dairy free?
A: Yes. Use a dairy alternative like almond or oat milk. Skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese.

Q: How do I make the soup chunkier?
A: Blend only half the soup and leave the rest as pieces, or mash some broccoli with a spoon before serving.

Q: Can I add protein?
A: Yes. Stir in cooked beans, shredded chicken, or cooked sausage for more protein.

Conclusion

For another simple, no-cream take on Italian broccoli soup, see this no-cream Italian broccoli soup recipe for ideas on light versions. If you want a pasta-and-broccoli twist, check the Romanesco broccoli pasta soup for a related way to serve broccoli with pasta.