Imagine a soup that transforms humble broccoli into a luxurious, velvety delight that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This Broccoli and Toasted Almond Soup is not just another ordinary soup – it's a culinary masterpiece that combines the earthy freshness of broccoli with the rich, nutty crunch of toasted almonds. Perfect for those chilly evenings or when you're craving something both nutritious and indulgent, this recipe will elevate your home cooking from simple to spectacular in just 40 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup almonds, toasted
- 1 cup cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by washing the broccoli florets thoroughly and chopping them into uniform pieces. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the aromatic flavors.
- Place the broccoli florets into the pot and stir to combine with the onions and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes to slightly soften the broccoli.
- Pour the vegetable broth into the pot, ensuring all vegetables are covered. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
- While the soup is simmering, toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until they become golden brown and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Set aside.
- Remove the soup from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, carefully transfer to a blender in batches.
- Stir in the cream and return the pot to low heat. Gently warm the soup, being careful not to let it boil.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring to incorporate the seasonings evenly.
- Ladle the soup into serving bowls and garnish with the toasted almonds, sprinkling them on top for added texture and nutty flavor.
- Serve immediately while hot, optionally with a crusty bread on the side for a complete meal.
Tips
- Fresh is Best: Always use fresh broccoli florets for the most vibrant flavor and maximum nutritional benefits.
- Toasting Almonds: Watch your almonds carefully when toasting – they can burn quickly! Stir frequently and remove from heat as soon as they turn golden brown and become fragrant.
- Blending Technique: For the smoothest possible soup, use an immersion blender directly in the pot or carefully transfer to a blender in batches. If using a blender, ensure the lid is slightly open to allow steam to escape and prevent pressure buildup.
- Cream Options: For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even a plant-based alternative like coconut cream.
- Seasoning Secrets: Add the salt and pepper gradually, tasting as you go to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
- Garnish Creatively: While toasted almonds are classic, you can also top with a drizzle of olive oil, some fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra excitement.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 50mg
