Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that can elevate any meal. This vegan version offers a creamy texture and rich flavors, making it perfect for both lunch and dinner. Enjoy it on chilly days or serve it at gatherings; it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With its nutritious ingredients and satisfying taste, this soup stands out as a delightful option for vegans and non-vegans alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal prep time and simple cooking techniques, making it accessible for cooks of all levels.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of broccoli, carrots, and vegan cheddar creates a deliciously rich and creamy soup that everyone will love.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and plant-based ingredients, this soup is healthy yet indulgent.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or side dish, this Broccoli Cheddar Soup can be paired with bread or served alongside salads.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy this flavorful soup, making it an excellent choice for family meals.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare the Broccoli Cheddar Soup effectively, having the right tools can make the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- High-speed blender
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Ideal for cooking large quantities of soup while ensuring even heat distribution.
- High-speed blender: Makes blending the soup quick and easy, achieving a creamy consistency without lumps.
- Knife: A sharp knife allows for precise chopping of onions, garlic, broccoli, and carrots.
Ingredients
To make this delightful Broccoli Cheddar Soup, gather the following ingredients:
Vegetables
- 1 cup white onions (chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (finely diced)
- 3 heaping cups broccoli (finely chopped)
- 1 1/2 heaping cups julienned carrots
Base
- 1/4 cup vegan butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 4 cups rice milk (plain, unsweetened)
Flavoring
- 1 cup vegan cheddar cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Melt the vegan butter in a large pot over medium heat until fully melted.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Add the chopped onions and finely diced garlic to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
Step 3: Create the Roux
Stir in the flour thoroughly until it’s fully incorporated. This mixture will act as the thickening agent for your soup.
Step 4: Add Liquids
Whisk in the vegetable broth and rice milk gradually. Ensure there are no lumps from the roux before continuing.
Step 5: Bring to a Boil
Increase heat until the mixture starts to boil gently. This step is crucial for developing flavors.
Step 6: Add Vegetables
Return the heat to medium after boiling. Add chopped broccoli and julienned carrots. Cook for about 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
Step 7: Incorporate Cheese
Stir in the vegan cheddar cheese until it melts completely into the soup, creating a rich flavor profile.
Step 8: Blend for Creaminess
Carefully remove about one-quarter of the soup from the pot. Place it in your high-speed blender, blend until smooth, then return it to the pot. Stir well to combine.
Step 9: Season and Serve
Add salt and pepper according to your taste preference. Serve hot with croutons or bread on the side for an extra treat!
Enjoy your delicious homemade Broccoli Cheddar Soup!
How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Broccoli cheddar soup is versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you enjoy it as a main dish or as a starter, here are some creative serving suggestions.
With Crusty Bread
- A hearty slice of crusty sourdough or whole grain bread pairs perfectly with the creamy soup. Dip the bread into the soup for a comforting experience.
Topped with Croutons
- Add a crunchy texture by sprinkling homemade or store-bought croutons on top. They provide a nice contrast to the smoothness of the soup.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Enhance the flavor by garnishing your bowl with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. This adds a pop of color and freshness.
Served in a Bread Bowl
- For a fun twist, serve your broccoli cheddar soup in an edible bread bowl. This not only looks great but also allows you to enjoy every last drop of your soup.
Accompanied by Salad
- Pairing the soup with a light salad, like a mixed greens salad or Caesar salad, provides balance and makes for a complete meal.
With Vegan Cheese Sprinkles
- Sprinkle some additional vegan cheese on top before serving for extra cheesiness. It melts beautifully and adds richness to each spoonful.
How to Perfect Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Creating the perfect broccoli cheddar soup is all about technique and quality ingredients. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.
- Use fresh broccoli: Freshly chopped broccoli adds vibrant color and texture compared to frozen options.
- Make a rich roux: Ensure that your roux is thoroughly cooked for a deeper flavor base before adding liquids.
- Whisk continuously: When adding broth and milk, whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Blend for creaminess: For an ultra-smooth texture, blend part of the soup before serving; this creates creaminess without heavy cream.
- Adjust seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed to enhance flavors.
- Experiment with spices: Adding nutmeg or smoked paprika can give your broccoli cheddar soup an unexpected depth of flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Pairing side dishes with your broccoli cheddar soup can enrich your meal experience. Here are some great options that complement this comforting dish.
- Garlic Bread – A classic choice, garlic bread is flavorful and perfect for dipping.
- Veggie Platter – Fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell peppers add crunch and freshness.
- Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad with lemon dressing complements the richness of the soup nicely.
- Roasted Potatoes – Crispy roasted potatoes add heartiness to the meal while balancing flavors.
- Stuffed Mushrooms – Savory stuffed mushrooms make for an elegant side that pairs beautifully with cheesy flavors.
- Pasta Salad – A cold pasta salad can provide contrast in temperature and texture to the warm soup.
- Coleslaw – The crunchiness of coleslaw adds variety while its tangy dressing balances out the creaminess of the soup.
- Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad offers a sweet finish that cleanses the palate after rich flavors.
Enjoy experimenting with these serving ideas, tips for perfection, and complementary sides!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Broccoli Cheddar Soup can be simple, but there are common mistakes to keep in mind.
- Skipping the roux: A roux is essential for thickening the soup. Make sure to cook the flour with vegan butter until it’s bubbly and well combined.
- Using low-quality cheese: The flavor of your soup relies on good cheese. Choose a quality vegan cheddar for the best taste and creaminess.
- Not seasoning properly: Salt and pepper enhance flavors. Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasonings before serving.
- Overcooking vegetables: Broccoli should remain vibrant and slightly crisp. Add it toward the end of cooking to maintain its color and texture.
- Blending too much soup: Blending all the soup can make it too smooth. Reserve some chunks for texture and visual appeal.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Make sure the soup has cooled completely before sealing to avoid condensation.
Freezing Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months.
- Leave space at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen.
Reheating Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals, stirring occasionally.
- Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium heat, stirring frequently until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
Can I make Broccoli Cheddar Soup gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch for a gluten-free version.
What can I serve with Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
How do I adjust the thickness of my Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
For thicker soup, blend more of it; for thinner consistency, add more vegetable broth or rice milk.
Is this Broccoli Cheddar Soup healthy?
Absolutely! This vegan recipe is lower in calories and fat while still being packed with flavor.
Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?
Yes! Frozen broccoli works well but may need slightly longer cooking time to become tender.
Final Thoughts
Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting dish perfect for any occasion. Its creamy texture and rich flavor make it an ideal choice for lunch or dinner. Feel free to customize by adding spices or other vegetables based on your preferences!
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Description
Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the ultimate comfort food, blending creamy textures with rich flavors that satisfy both vegans and non-vegans alike. This easy vegan recipe showcases fresh vegetables like broccoli and carrots, enhanced by the melty goodness of plant-based cheddar cheese. Perfect for chilly days, this hearty soup is not only nourishing but also quick to prepare, making it ideal for family meals or gatherings. Enjoy it on its own or pair it with crusty bread for a delightful dining experience.
Ingredients
- 1 cup white onions (chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (finely diced)
- 3 heaping cups broccoli (finely chopped)
- 1 1/2 heaping cups julienned carrots
- 1/4 cup vegan butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 4 cups rice milk (plain, unsweetened)
- 1 cup vegan cheddar cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt the vegan butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté onions and garlic until soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the flour to create a roux and cook until bubbly.
- Gradually whisk in vegetable broth and rice milk until smooth.
- Bring to a gentle boil before adding broccoli and carrots; cook for about 10 minutes until tender.
- Stir in the vegan cheddar cheese until melted.
- Blend a quarter of the soup for creaminess, then return to the pot.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (240g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
