Description
This creamy broccoli soup is elevated with the smoky richness of gouda cheese, creating a comforting and flavorful starter or light meal. The blend of tender broccoli, aromatic onions, and smooth smoked gouda offers a delicious twist on classic cream of broccoli soup, garnished with optional single cream and seeds for a delightful finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 head (350g/12 oz) broccoli florets only
- 750 ml (3 cups) vegetable or chicken stock
Dairy and Garnish
- 2-3 tbsp blue cheese or sour cream
- 100g (3.5 oz) smoked gouda or cheddar, shredded
- 4 tbsp single cream (optional)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds, nigella seeds, or poppy seeds (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté onion: In a medium pot, heat olive oil over low heat. Add the chopped onion and cook gently for 5 minutes until it starts to soften and becomes translucent, releasing its sweetness.
- Cook broccoli: Add the broccoli florets and the vegetable or chicken stock to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a simmer. Cover with a lid and cook for 15 minutes until the broccoli is tender and cooked through.
- Blend soup: Once the broccoli is soft, use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a food processor and blend until smooth. Add the blue cheese or sour cream during blending to infuse flavor.
- Heat and melt cheese: If you used a food processor, return the blended soup to the pot and gently heat it until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded smoked gouda until it melts completely and blends smoothly with the soup.
- Season: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. The seasoning will depend on the saltiness of your cheeses and stock, so adjust accordingly.
- Garnish and serve: If desired, drizzle single cream on top and sprinkle with your choice of sesame, nigella, or poppy seeds. Serve immediately for a warm, comforting dish.
Notes
- The smoked gouda adds a wonderful depth of smokiness that transforms this classic soup.
- You can substitute blue cheese with sour cream for a milder tangy flavor.
- Using an immersion blender keeps the preparation simple, but food processor works well if you prefer.
- Adjust seasoning carefully since cheeses and stock can vary in salt content.
- Optional single cream garnish adds extra richness and a beautiful presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 262 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 554 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 44 mg
