Classic Creamy Broccoli Soup
Indulge in this rich and velvety Classic Creamy Broccoli Soup, a timeless recipe passed down from generations. Unlike the usual broccoli and cheese soups, this dish honors the simplicity of fresh broccoli, enhanced with the earthy flavors of sautéed onions and mushrooms. The combination of butter, light cream, and a hint of red wine creates a luscious base that perfectly complements the vibrant green of the broccoli. Ideal for a cozy dinner or as a delightful starter, this soup can easily be scaled up for larger gatherings or frozen for future enjoyment. Experience the true essence of broccoli in every spoonful!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/2 cup (melted)
onion
1 large (chopped)
sliced mushrooms
1 cup (optional)
broccoli
5 cups (chopped)
flour
3 tablespoons (all-purpose)
salt
to taste (to season)
pepper
to taste (to season)
chicken broth
2 cups (low-sodium or regular)
light cream
2 cups (at room temperature)
red wine
3 tablespoons (dry wine)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and tender, about 5 minutes. If using mushrooms, add them at this point and sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until they are soft.
2
Add the chopped broccoli to the pan, stirring to combine with the onions and mushrooms. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the broccoli to soften slightly.
3
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the sautéed vegetables, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to ensure that the flour is fully incorporated.
4
Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until the soup has thickened, about 10-15 minutes.
5
Once thickened, gradually stir in the light cream, allowing it to heat through but not boil. Finally, add the red wine and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper or a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines Classic Creamy Broccoli Soup?
It is a rich and velvety soup that highlights the simplicity of fresh broccoli, enhanced with sautéed onions, mushrooms, and a luscious base of butter, light cream, and red wine.
How much butter is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of butter, which is melted to sauté the base vegetables.
What kind of onions should I use?
One large onion, chopped, is used to provide an earthy foundation for the soup.
Are mushrooms required for this broccoli soup?
No, the 1 cup of sliced mushrooms is optional, but they add a wonderful depth of flavor if included.
How much broccoli is needed for the recipe?
You will need 5 cups of chopped broccoli.
What type of flour is used as a thickener?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to thicken the soup.
What kind of broth is recommended?
The recipe specifies 2 cups of chicken broth, which can be either low-sodium or regular.
What type of cream is used?
The recipe uses 2 cups of light cream at room temperature for a creamy texture.
Is there alcohol in this soup recipe?
Yes, 3 tablespoons of dry red wine are added at the end to enhance the soup's flavor profile.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the onions in melted butter for about 5 minutes until they are translucent and tender.
When do I add the optional mushrooms?
If you are using mushrooms, add them after the onions have softened and sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes.
When should the broccoli be added to the pot?
Add the chopped broccoli after the onions and mushrooms, stirring to combine for about 3-4 minutes.
How do I incorporate the flour without it clumping?
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to ensure it is fully incorporated before adding liquids.
How should the chicken broth be added?
Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to prevent any lumps from forming.
How long does the soup need to simmer to thicken?
After bringing the mixture to a gentle boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
When is the light cream added?
The light cream is stirred in once the soup has thickened; it should be heated through but not allowed to boil.
At what stage is the red wine added?
The red wine is added as the final step after the cream has been heated through.
How is this soup served?
Serve the soup hot, optionally garnished with freshly cracked pepper or a drizzle of olive oil.
Can I freeze Classic Creamy Broccoli Soup?
Yes, this soup can be frozen for future enjoyment, making it great for meal prep.
Can I scale this recipe for a larger group?
Absolutely, this recipe can easily be scaled up to accommodate more guests or larger gatherings.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
While the tags mention vegetarian, the recipe uses chicken broth. To make it strictly vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be used as a substitute for fresh, though the texture of fresh broccoli is preferred.
Why should the light cream be at room temperature?
Using room temperature cream helps prevent the soup from curdling when the cream is added to the hot liquid.
Can I add cheese to this recipe?
While this recipe focuses on the simplicity of broccoli without cheese, you can certainly add cheese if you prefer a broccoli and cheese style soup.
What is the texture of this soup?
The soup is described as rich, velvety, and luscious due to the combination of butter, cream, and a flour thickener.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, this recipe uses all-purpose flour. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend or a different thickener like cornstarch.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I use heavy cream instead of light cream?
Yes, heavy cream can be used for an even richer and thicker consistency.
Does the wine cook off?
Since the wine is added at the end and heated briefly, some alcohol may remain, but it is used primarily for flavor.
Is this soup considered 'comfort food'?
Yes, with its creamy base and hearty ingredients, it is a classic comfort food recipe.