You know those times when you just have a tonne of broccoli in the fridge and you think - what am I going to do with all this! Soup it! Fantastic for the cooler weather and so comforting. It's also a great option to use up any cauliflower and zucchinis you may have too.
This recipe can be made vegan and is a great vegetarian option. For those who miss their meat - try adding a few fried bacon bits before serving but it really doesn't need it.
I love this recipe as it's really creamy without the need to add cream due to the potatoes and it's very easy.
Ingredients
1 to 2 heads of broccoli, cut into small florets
1/2 a head of cauliflower (optional)
1 to 2 zucchinis (optional)
1 onion, small diced
2 to 3 potatoes, cut into small cubes
Dried (or fresh) herbs:
- bay leaf
- parsley (a generous tablespoon)
- marjoram or oregano (a heaped teaspoon)
- thyme (very minimal)
Spices:
- turmeric powder (about a shake or two)
- grated nutmeg
~4 cups of vegetable or chicken stock
oil/butter to saute
salt/pepper to taste
Method
1. In a large pot, heat oil/butter to generously coat the base. Add onions and saute til translucent. Stir in potatoes, herbs and turmeric. Stir until aromatic. Do ya smell it?! Stir in broccoli (and cauliflower and zucchini if using) until it starts changing colour.
2. Add stock and bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until all veges are soft (around 10 to 20 minutes). Stir occasionally.
3. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Using a stick blender, blend contents until smooth. Stir in grated nutmeg. Season to taste.
4. Serve. You can add a dollop of sour cream if you want it even creamier. Top with some shredded cheese and or bacon bits for slightly different texture and added saltiness.
Other toppings I've enjoyed include sesame seeds, sesame oil, Nigella seeds (also known as black caraway, black cumin, nigella, kalojeere, and kalonji), marash pepper (or any red pepper flakes - eg piment d'espelette), fried onions, roasted macadamias, fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese. for Let me know your favourite topping suggestions by commenting below.
