Description
This Traditional Italian Broccoli Soup is a comforting, creamy blend of fresh broccoli, potatoes, and carrots simmered in vegetable broth. Enhanced with sautéed garlic and onions, this wholesome soup is easy to make, healthy, and perfect for a light meal or starter. Garnish with Parmesan cheese, parsley, and optional red pepper flakes for a traditional Italian touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 large head of fresh broccoli, chopped into florets
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 carrot, diced
Liquids and Oil
- 4 cups vegetable broth or water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings & Garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the broccoli: Wash the broccoli thoroughly under cold water and chop into small florets, then set aside for later use.
- Sauté onions: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 1 additional minute, taking care not to let it burn to retain its flavor.
- Cook potatoes and carrot: Add diced potatoes and carrot; stir to mix well. Allow the mixture to cook for about 5 minutes, softening the vegetables slightly.
- Add broth and broccoli: Pour in vegetable broth or water and bring the mixture to a boil. Then add the broccoli florets and season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer the soup: Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes until all vegetables are tender and cooked through.
- Blend the soup: Remove pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a blender and puree carefully.
- Adjust seasoning and consistency: Return the blended soup to the pot. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If the soup is too thick, add additional broth or water to reach your preferred consistency.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper flakes, and chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot for the best flavor.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth if not vegetarian.
- The soup can be made vegan by omitting Parmesan cheese or using a dairy-free alternative.
- To add creaminess, stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk before serving.
- Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: broccoli soup, Italian soup, creamy broccoli soup, vegetarian soup, healthy soup, easy soup, homemade soup
