Description
This creamy broccoli soup is elevated with the smoky richness of gouda cheese, creating a comforting and flavorful starter or light meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 head (350g/12 oz) broccoli florets only
- 750 ml (3 cups) vegetable or chicken stock
- 2–3 tbsp blue cheese or sour cream
- 100g (3.5 oz) smoked gouda or cheddar, shredded
- 4 tbsp single cream (optional)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds, nigella seeds, or poppy seeds (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium pot, heat olive oil over low heat. Add the chopped onion and cook gently for 5 minutes until it starts to soften and becomes translucent, releasing its sweetness.
- Add the broccoli florets and the vegetable or chicken stock to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a simmer. Cover with a lid and cook for 15 minutes until the broccoli is tender and cooked through.
- Once the broccoli is soft, use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a food processor and blend until smooth. Add the blue cheese or sour cream during blending to infuse flavor.
- If you used a food processor, return the blended soup to the pot and gently heat it until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded smoked gouda until it melts completely and blends smoothly with the soup.
- Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. The seasoning will depend on the saltiness of your cheeses and stock, so adjust accordingly.
- If desired, drizzle single cream on top and sprinkle with your choice of sesame, nigella, or poppy seeds. Serve immediately for a warm, comforting dish.
Notes
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
- Feel free to add other vegetables for a twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 262
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
