Imagine a soup so creamy, so deliciously comforting that it transports you straight to the heart of Italy with every spoonful. This Italian Broccoli Cheese Soup is not just another recipe – it's a culinary experience that combines the nutritious goodness of fresh broccoli with the indulgent richness of melted mozzarella. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a soul-warming lunch, this recipe promises to elevate your home cooking game and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head of broccoli, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing the broccoli thoroughly and chopping it into small, bite-sized florets. Finely dice the onion to ensure even cooking and distribution of flavor.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, which helps develop a rich base flavor for the soup.
- Pour the vegetable broth into the pot with the sautéed onions. Add the chopped broccoli florets and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for approximately 8-10 minutes until the broccoli becomes tender but still maintains a vibrant green color.
- Using an immersion blender or carefully transferring to a standard blender, partially puree the soup. Leave some broccoli pieces intact to provide texture and visual appeal to the soup.
- Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream, creating a smooth and creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors carefully.
- Gradually add the shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring continuously to ensure the cheese melts evenly and creates a smooth, rich texture without becoming grainy.
- Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes after adding the cheese, which helps meld the flavors and ensures a perfect creamy consistency.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with additional cheese, fresh cracked black pepper, or a drizzle of olive oil. Pair with crusty Italian bread for a complete meal.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Broccoli: For the best flavor and texture, select a firm, bright green broccoli head with tight florets.
- Don't Overcook the Broccoli: Keep the cooking time short to maintain the vibrant green color and preserve nutrients. 8-10 minutes is the sweet spot.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Add cheese gradually and stir continuously to prevent clumping and achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
- Blending Matters: When partially pureeing, leave some broccoli chunks for a rustic, textured soup that looks as good as it tastes.
- Season Carefully: Add salt and pepper incrementally, tasting as you go to achieve the perfect flavor balance.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with crusty Italian bread or homemade croutons for an extra layer of deliciousness.
- Reheat Gently: If storing leftovers, reheat slowly on low heat to prevent the cheese from separating.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 406kcal
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 19g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 115mg
