Dream of Broccoli Soup

I’ll never forget the first time I made this soup. It was a blustery November evening, and the scent of butter slowly melting with onions filled my tiny apartment kitchen. Steam curled around the windows as the broccoli simmered, a promise of warmth and comfort in every fragrant waft. The little goat cheese hearts I piped on top weren’t just a garnish; they were a symbol of the love and care I poured into creating something special, a simple bowl of soup that somehow felt like a hug.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 large yellow onion, peeled and chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cups fresh broccoli or 3 cups fresh Broccolini, chopped
• 4 cups fresh chicken stock, divided
• 1 cup buttermilk, divided
• 3 ounces goat cheese, divided (chevre is a good choice)
• 1 fresh bay leaf, bruised
• 1 dash freshly grated nutmeg
• Salt
• Pepper

Equipment Needed

• Stock pot
• Immersion blender
• Plastic bag
• Toothpick

Instructions

1. In a stock pot, cook the onions over medium heat in the butter for about 8 minutes. You want the onions to become translucent and softened, releasing their sweet aroma. Be careful not to burn the butter; adjust the heat as needed. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
2. Add the chopped broccoli (or Broccolini) and half of the chicken stock (2 cups) to the pot. Bring the mixture to almost a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. This allows the broccoli to cook through and soften.
3. Using a hand-held immersion blender, puree the broccoli mixture until smooth. Ensure that all chunks of broccoli are blended for a creamy, velvety texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, but be very cautious with hot liquids.
4. Stir in the remaining chicken broth (2 cups), half of the buttermilk (1/2 cup), 2 ounces of the goat cheese, the bruised bay leaf, and the freshly grated nutmeg. The bay leaf adds a subtle depth of flavor, while the nutmeg offers a warm, comforting note.
5. Heat the soup for 5 minutes, but do not boil. Boiling can cause the buttermilk to curdle, affecting the soup’s texture. Maintain a gentle simmer to allow the flavors to meld together harmoniously.
6. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the goat cheese will add some saltiness, so add cautiously and taste as you go.
7. In a plastic bag, combine the remaining buttermilk (1/2 cup) and goat cheese (1 ounce). Mix together until well combined, creating a smooth and pipeable mixture for the “hearts.”
8. Snip the corner of the plastic bag to create a small opening. Pipe small dots on top of the soup, then drag a toothpick through the dots to form “hearts.” This creates a visually appealing and elegant garnish that adds a touch of sophistication.
9. Serve warm and enjoy! The soup is best served immediately after garnishing to prevent the “hearts” from dissolving into the soup.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Broccoli Boosting: Roasting the broccoli before adding it to the soup intensifies its flavor. Toss the chopped broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until slightly browned.
• Buttermilk Alternative: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle slightly before using.
• Blending Perfection: For an ultra-smooth soup, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve after blending. This removes any remaining fibrous bits and creates a truly luxurious texture.
• Cheese Choices: While chèvre is recommended, other soft cheeses like cream cheese or ricotta can be used as a substitute for the heart garnish, although the flavour profile will be different.
• Make-Ahead Magic: The soup base (before adding the remaining buttermilk and goat cheese for the garnish) can be made a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently before adding the final ingredients and serving.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this Dream of Broccoli Soup warm in bowls, garnished with the goat cheese hearts. A swirl of cream or a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley can add an extra touch of elegance.

Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Freezing is not recommended due to the buttermilk, which may change the texture upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	148 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	72 kcal	49%
Total Fat	8g	12%
Saturated Fat	4.6g	23%
Cholesterol	20.9mg	6%
Sodium	303.5mg	12%
Total Carbohydrate	12.1g	4%
Dietary Fiber	2.2g	8%
Sugars	5.2g	N/A
Protein	7.9g	15%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegan Version: Substitute the butter with olive oil, use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock, and replace the buttermilk with a plant-based alternative like soy or almond milk. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor. Omit the goat cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative for the garnish.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for a subtle spicy kick.
• Creamy Indulgence: Substitute half of the chicken broth with heavy cream for an even richer and more decadent soup.
• Seasonal Twist: In the fall, add roasted butternut squash or sweet potato to the soup for a warm and comforting flavor. In the spring, try adding fresh asparagus or peas.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
A: Yes, frozen broccoli can be used, but the texture may be slightly different. Be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the soup.

Q: What if I don’t have an immersion blender?
A: You can use a regular blender, but be extremely careful when blending hot liquids. Blend in small batches and allow steam to escape to prevent explosions.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
A: Absolutely! Carrots, celery, or potatoes can be added to enhance the flavor and texture.

Q: How can I make this soup thicker?
A: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the soup while it’s simmering.

Q: What can I serve with this soup?
A: This soup pairs well with a crusty bread, a grilled cheese sandwich, or a side salad.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Dream of Broccoli Soup brings you as much comfort and joy as it has brought me over the years. It’s a versatile and customizable recipe that you can adapt to your own tastes and preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own signature version. Share your creations and feedback, and most importantly, enjoy the process of creating something delicious and heartwarming! Perhaps, pair it with a crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc for an elevated experience. Bon appétit!