Gently simmer vegetable mixture until tender
I am so glad to see some of the latest chefs and cooking celebrities promoting “healthier” recipes. There is a place in the kitchen for butter, but not in massive quantities, come on. My arteries are clogging!
Winter is just cranking up here in Augusta GA. Our January and February can be brutal–for us! Soup is so comforting and warms the insides. I know we don’t always eat the veggies we should, so soup is a great way to disguise them and sneak in all the goodness.
We have about 10 broccoli plants with crowns ready for harvest, so I investigated a healthier option for broccoli soup. I found this Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe at EatingWell in hopes the “creaminess” would trick me into thinking that heavy cream and butter were really in the soup! I used an immersion blender which works great for soups and smoothies. I omitted the half and half since I sneak enough of that in my coffee! The “creamy” comes from the process of pureeing the mixture.
This soup was delicious. I even shared a few cups with some friends who enjoyed it too. Â Try the recipe. Stay warm.
Cream of Broccoli Soup
INGREDIENTS
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme or parsley
- 8 cups chopped broccoli (stems and florets)
- 2 cups water
- 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth, “no-chicken†broth (see Note) or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup half-and-half (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground pepper to taste
PREPARATION
- Heat butter and oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat until the butter melts. Add onion and celery; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 4 to 6 minutes. Add garlic and thyme (or parsley); cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 10 seconds.
- Stir in broccoli. Add water and broth; bring to a lively simmer over high heat. Reduce heat to maintain a lively simmer and cook until very tender, about 8 minutes.
- Puree the soup in batches in a blender until smooth. (Use caution when pureeing hot liquids.) Stir in half-and-half (if using), salt and pepper.
- Delish!
Tom made the heavier non healthy version of this for Erin last night omitting the onions! She loved it!
Winnie!
Everything in moderation, right?!!
ML