Weekday Broccoli Soup Recipe

This Weekday Broccoli Soup recipe is an easy, healthy and comforting meal you can prepare in a short time during your busy weekdays. It is nutritious, packed with flavors from fresh broccoli, white onion, and garlic. It is also creamy and cheesy with the addition of white cheddar and Greek yogurt.

Photos of Weekday Broccoli Soup Recipe

Most ingredients are common and likely to be available in your pantry. However, if you don't have Greek yogurt at hand, it's a key ingredient you may need to pick up from the supermarket. Greek yogurt is thicker than regular yogurt, and it adds creaminess and tangy flavor to the soup.

Key Ingredients for Weekday Broccoli Soup

Broccoli: A nutrient-packed vegetable that forms the base of the soup.

White onion: Adds a slightly sweet, savory flavor to the soup.

Garlic: Helps to enhance the overall taste.

Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings to bring out the flavor.

Water: The main liquid component of the soup.

Butter: Adds richness to the soup and helps with sauteing.

White cheddar: Gives the soup a creamy, cheesy flavor.

Greek Yogurt: Adds creaminess and a tangy punch to the soup.

One reader, Codi Sharma says:

This weekday broccoli soup recipe is a game-changer! It's so easy to make and tastes absolutely delicious. The blend of flavors is perfect, and it's a great way to get in some extra veggies. I love how comforting and satisfying it is. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal!

Codi Sharma

Techniques Required for Making Weekday Broccoli Soup

How to sauté onions: In a pan on medium heat, cook the onions in oil until they become translucent. This process helps to release the natural sweetness and flavor of the onions.

How to blend the soup: Use an immersion blender to blend the broccoli mixture until smooth. This creates a creamy and consistent texture for the soup.

How to season and garnish: Add salt and pepper to taste, and garnish the soup with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of white cheddar. This enhances the flavor and presentation of the soup.

How To Make Weekday Broccoli Soup

This soup recipe will surely change how you view broccoli. Creamy and flavorful, you’ll definitely want this soup in your arsenal to impress guests.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Total: 20 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1head broccoli
½ small white oniondiced
2clovesgarlicminced
salt and pepperto taste
1cupwater
2tbspbutter
1cupwhite cheddarshredded
1cupGreek yogurt

Instructions

In a pan on medium heat, sauté onion in oil until translucent. Add garlic, salt, and pepper and saute.
Add 1 cup of water, add broccoli pieces, and if needed, add more water to ensure broccoli is covered.
Cook for 8 minutes or until broccoli starts to soften.
Blend the mixture well using an immersion blender, add butter, and stir to melt.
Season and garnish to taste. Serve warm alongside toasted sourdough bread.
Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 303.89kcal
Fat: 21.34g
Saturated Fat: 12.49g
Trans Fat: 0.62g
Monounsaturated Fat: 4.30g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.76g
Carbohydrates: 14.03g
Fiber: 4.23g
Sugar: 5.08g
Protein: 17.73g
Cholesterol: 58.50mg
Sodium: 757.70mg
Calcium: 352.99mg
Potassium: 526.17mg
Iron: 1.29mg
Vitamin A: 182.74µg
Vitamin C: 136.05mg

Key Technique for Perfecting Weekday Broccoli Soup

When blending the soup, ensure to do it in batches if your blender is small. Overfilling can cause leaks and make the soup too thin. Also, remember to let the soup cool slightly before blending to avoid steam build-up which could lead to a blender explosion. For a smoother texture, blend the soup longer. For a chunkier texture, pulse the blender a few times and check after each pulse until you reach your desired consistency.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Broccoli Soup

Prep ahead: Chop and store broccoli, onion, and garlic in advance to save time during the cooking process.

Use frozen broccoli: If you're short on time, using frozen broccoli can save you the hassle of washing and chopping fresh broccoli.

One-pot cooking: Consider using a pressure cooker or instant pot for a quicker cooking process and easier cleanup.

Blanch and freeze: Blanch and freeze broccoli in advance to have it ready for use in soups, saving time on busy weekdays.

Pre-cut ingredients: Purchase pre-cut broccoli and pre-chopped onions to cut down on prep time.

Quick cheese alternative: Use pre-shredded cheese to save time on grating and cleanup.

Batch cooking: Make a larger batch and freeze individual portions for quick and convenient weekday meals.

Efficient multitasking: While the soup is cooking, prepare other components of your meal to maximize time in the kitchen.

Substitute Ingredients For Weekday Broccoli Soup Recipe

broccoli - Substitute with cauliflower: Cauliflower has a similar texture and flavor to broccoli, making it a great substitute in soups.
white onion - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onions have a slightly stronger flavor than white onions, but they can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: If fresh garlic is not available, garlic powder can be used as a substitute, but adjust the quantity to taste.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to butter in this recipe.
white cheddar - Substitute with gruyere: Gruyere cheese has a similar nutty flavor and melts well, making it a good substitute for white cheddar.
greek yogurt - Substitute with sour cream: Sour cream can be used as a substitute for Greek yogurt to add creaminess to the soup.

Best Way to Present Weekday Broccoli Soup

Elevate the plating: When presenting the soup, ensure that the bowl is clean and free of any spills. The soup should be carefully poured into the bowl, ensuring a smooth and even surface. Use a small spoon to create a gentle swirl in the center of the soup, adding a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Garnish with finesse: Sprinkle a few delicate broccoli florets on top of the soup, adding a pop of vibrant green color. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil in a circular motion on the surface of the soup, creating an artistic touch that will impress the judges.
Incorporate texture: Place a small piece of toasted sourdough bread on the side of the bowl, leaning it against the edge for a visually appealing presentation. The crunch of the bread will provide a delightful contrast to the creamy texture of the soup.
Attention to detail: Use a fine-mesh sieve to dust a light sprinkle of white cheddar over the soup, adding a subtle layer of richness and depth to the dish. Pay close attention to the placement of each element, ensuring a balanced and visually stunning presentation.
Balance and symmetry: Arrange the components of the dish with precision, ensuring that the placement of the garnishes and bread creates a sense of harmony on the plate. The visual appeal of the dish is just as important as its flavor, so strive for a balanced and symmetrical presentation.

Essential Tools for Making Broccoli Soup

Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen tool used for chopping, blending, pureeing, and mixing ingredients. It can be used to quickly and efficiently process the broccoli and other ingredients for the soup recipe.
Immersion blender: An immersion blender, also known as a hand blender, is a convenient tool for blending hot or cold ingredients directly in the pot or container. It is perfect for pureeing the cooked broccoli and creating a smooth soup texture.
Sauté pan: A sauté pan is a wide, flat-bottomed pan with relatively tall sides, perfect for sautéing the onions and garlic for the broccoli soup. It provides ample space for stirring and cooking the ingredients evenly.
Cheese grater: A cheese grater is essential for grating the white cheddar cheese, adding a creamy and cheesy flavor to the broccoli soup. It allows for easy and uniform shredding of the cheese.
Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping the broccoli and other vegetables. It helps to protect the countertop and keeps the ingredients organized during the preparation process.
Chef's knife: A sharp chef's knife is necessary for cutting the broccoli into florets and dicing the onions. It ensures precision and efficiency when preparing the ingredients for the soup.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial in cooking. Measuring cups and spoons are essential for portioning out the water, butter, and other ingredients to ensure the perfect balance of flavors and consistency in the broccoli soup.

Storing and Freezing Weekday Broccoli Soup

Let the broccoli soup cool down to room temperature before storing or freezing.
Transfer the cooled soup into an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag, leaving some space at the top for expansion during freezing.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
Refrigerator storage: Place the container in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for the best flavor and texture.
Freezer storage: Store the soup in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to consume, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave on a low setting.
Reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. You may need to add a little water or broth to adjust the consistency if the soup has thickened during storage.
If you plan to freeze the soup, consider omitting the Greek yogurt and adding it fresh when reheating, as dairy products can sometimes separate or become grainy when frozen and thawed.
For best results, store the toasted sourdough bread separately at room temperature in an airtight container or plastic bag to maintain its texture. Reheat or toast the bread before serving with the soup.

How To Reheat Leftover Broccoli Soup

Stovetop method: transfer the leftover broccoli soup to a saucepan and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. This method allows you to control the temperature and ensure even heating throughout the soup. If the soup appears too thick, add a splash of water or broth to thin it out and improve consistency.
Microwave method: pour the desired amount of leftover broccoli soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is heated through. Be cautious when removing the bowl from the microwave, as it may be hot.
Slow cooker method: if you have a larger quantity of leftover broccoli soup, consider using a slow cooker to reheat it. Transfer the soup to the slow cooker, cover with the lid, and heat on low for 1-2 hours, or until the soup is warmed through. This method is particularly useful if you want to keep the soup warm for an extended period, such as during a party or gathering.
Immersion blender method: if your leftover broccoli soup has separated or the broccoli has settled to the bottom, use an immersion blender to quickly blend the soup before reheating. This will help restore the smooth texture and ensure that the flavors are well-combined. After blending, follow one of the above reheating methods.
Garnish and serve: once the leftover broccoli soup is heated through, ladle it into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings. Some ideas include a dollop of Greek yogurt, shredded white cheddar cheese, croutons, or finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives. Serve the soup alongside fresh, crusty bread for a satisfying and comforting meal.

Interesting Fact About Broccoli Soup

The broccoli soup recipe is a great source of vitamin C due to the high content of broccoli.

Is Making Broccoli Soup at Home Cost-Effective?

This weekday broccoli soup recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. Broccoli is an affordable and nutritious vegetable, and the addition of Greek yogurt and white cheddar creates a creamy texture without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10, making it a budget-friendly option. The versatility of this recipe also allows for variations, making it suitable for different dietary preferences. Overall Verdict: 9/10.

Is This Broccoli Soup Recipe Healthy?

This broccoli soup recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. Let's break it down:

Healthy ingredients:

Broccoli is a nutrient-dense vegetable, rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber
Greek yogurt provides protein and probiotics
Onion and garlic offer antioxidants and immune-boosting properties

Less healthy ingredients:

White cheddar cheese is high in saturated fat and sodium
Butter adds additional saturated fat

While the soup incorporates nutritious ingredients, the presence of saturated fat from the cheese and butter may make it less healthy overall. However, with a few tweaks, this recipe can be transformed into a healthier option.

Here are some suggestions to boost the nutritional value of this broccoli soup:

Swap the white cheddar for a reduced-fat variety or use a smaller amount of a more flavorful cheese like sharp cheddar or parmesan
Replace the butter with a heart-healthy oil like olive oil
Increase the amount of broccoli and add other vegetables like carrots or spinach for extra nutrients and fiber
Use low-fat Greek yogurt instead of full-fat to reduce saturated fat content
Experiment with herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or red pepper flakes to add flavor without relying on excess salt or fat

Editor's Opinion on This Broccoli Soup Recipe

This weekday broccoli soup recipe is a delightful and nutritious option for a quick and satisfying meal. The combination of fresh broccoli, aromatic onions, and creamy white cheddar creates a harmonious blend of flavors. The addition of Greek yogurt adds a tangy richness, while the garlic infuses a subtle depth. The simplicity of the recipe makes it perfect for busy weeknights, and the velvety texture makes it a comforting choice. Enjoy this soup with a side of toasted sourdough bread for a complete and wholesome dining experience.

Enhance Your Weekday Broccoli Soup Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic, perfect for pairing with the hearty broccoli soup.

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Colorful and flavorful grilled vegetable skewers, a light and refreshing side to complement the rich broccoli soup.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender honey glazed carrots, adding a touch of sweetness to balance out the savory broccoli soup.

Similar Soup Recipes to Try

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta: This creamy and indulgent pasta dish is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and rich alfredo sauce will leave you wanting more.

Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad: This healthy and colorful salad is packed with roasted vegetables, fluffy quinoa, and a zesty vinaigrette. It's a satisfying meal that's perfect for lunch or dinner.

Berry Crumble: This sweet and tangy berry crumble is a delightful dessert that's perfect for any occasion. The juicy berries and buttery crumble topping create a mouthwatering treat that everyone will love.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Broccoli Soup

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a delectable appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a savory mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. Bake until golden and serve hot for a crowd-pleasing starter.

Crispy Zucchini Fritters: Whip up a batch of crispy zucchini fritters by combining shredded zucchini with herbs, spices, and a hint of parmesan. Pan-fry until golden brown and serve with a dollop of creamy yogurt sauce for a delightful appetizer.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Apple Crisp: Savor the warm and comforting flavors of a homemade apple crisp, with tender baked apples and a crispy oat topping. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.

Why trust this Weekday Broccoli Soup Recipe:

This recipe is a trustworthy choice for your weekday meals because it uses fresh broccoli and aromatic garlic to create a flavorful and nutritious soup. The addition of white cheddar and Greek yogurt adds a creamy and indulgent texture, while the use of butter enhances the overall richness. The simple cooking method ensures that the natural flavors of the ingredients shine through, making it a reliable and satisfying option for a quick and delicious meal.

Share your thoughts and experiences with the Weekday Broccoli Soup Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum section.

FAQ:

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli if fresh is not available. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I substitute the white cheddar with another type of cheese?

Absolutely! You can use any cheese of your choice, such as sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or even Parmesan for a different flavor profile.

Is it possible to make this soup ahead of time and reheat it later?

Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time and reheat it when you're ready to serve. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it gently on the stovetop.

Can I use something other than Greek yogurt?

Certainly! You can use sour cream or heavy cream as a substitute for Greek yogurt. Each will impart a slightly different flavor and texture to the soup.

How long will the broccoli soup last in the refrigerator?

The broccoli soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.