Imagine a soup so rich, so creamy, and so deliciously cheesy that you won't believe it's completely vegan! This Vegan Cheesy Broccoli Soup is about to revolutionize your comfort food game, proving that plant-based eating can be indulgent, satisfying, and absolutely mouthwatering. With a secret weapon of cashew cream and nutritional yeast, this recipe transforms humble broccoli into a restaurant-worthy dish that will have even the most dedicated cheese lovers coming back for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup cashews, soaked
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Soak cashews in hot water for at least 30 minutes before starting the recipe to ensure a creamy texture.
- Drain and rinse the soaked cashews thoroughly.
- In a large pot, heat a small amount of vegetable broth or olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Mince the garlic and add to the onions, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add broccoli florets to the pot and stir to combine with onions and garlic.
- Pour in vegetable broth, covering the broccoli and onion mixture completely.
- Blend soaked cashews with nutritional yeast in a high-speed blender until smooth and creamy.
- Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes until broccoli is tender but still bright green.
- Add the cashew cream to the soup, stirring to incorporate fully.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for a creamy yet chunky texture, or leave as is for a chunkier soup.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional nutritional yeast or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Cashew Soaking is Key: Always soak your cashews in hot water for at least 30 minutes. This ensures a ultra-smooth, creamy base for your soup.
- Don't Overcook the Broccoli: Keep your broccoli bright green and slightly crisp by simmering just until tender. Overcooking will dull the color and reduce nutritional value.
- Blending Technique Matters: For the perfect texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. This creates a creamy consistency while maintaining some vegetable chunks.
- Nutritional Yeast is Your Flavor Secret: This ingredient provides the "cheesy" flavor without any dairy. Don't skip it!
- Customize Your Garnish: Top your soup with fresh herbs, extra nutritional yeast, or even some toasted seeds for added crunch and flavor.Pro Tip: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make a big batch and enjoy leftovers!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
