Broccoli Cheddar Soup
The Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting, creamy delight that warms your soul and satisfies your cravings. This vegan twist on a beloved classic is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy family dinner, a quick lunch, or even a gathering with friends. With its rich flavors and healthy ingredients, this soup stands out as a nourishing option that everyone will enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: This vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup is creamy and rich, making it hard to believe it’s dairy-free!
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with broccoli and carrots, this soup is not only tasty but also loaded with vitamins.
- Versatile Meal Option: Enjoy it as a main dish or serve it alongside bread or salads for a complete meal.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this flavorful soup, making it great for the whole family.
Tools and Preparation
To create your delicious Broccoli Cheddar Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- High-speed blender
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and allowing all flavors to meld together.
- High-speed blender: Helps achieve that creamy texture by blending part of the soup until smooth.
- Whisk: Great for mixing ingredients without lumps, especially when creating the roux.
Ingredients
This section lists all the necessary ingredients you’ll need for making Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
Fresh Produce
- 1 cup white onions (chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (finely diced)
- 3 heaping cups broccoli (finely chopped)
- 1 1/2 heaping cups julienned carrots
Dairy Alternatives
- 1/4 cup vegan butter
- 4 cups rice milk (plain, unsweetened)
- 1 cup vegan cheddar cheese
Other Essentials
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- Salt & pepper to taste
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Stir in the chopped onions and finely diced garlic. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Roux
Add the flour to the pot. Mix well until fully incorporated, creating a roux that forms the base of your soup.
Step 4: Add Liquids
Whisk in the vegetable broth and rice milk until the roux is completely blended into the mixture.
Step 5: Bring to a Boil
Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce back to medium heat.
Step 6: Add Vegetables
Add the finely chopped broccoli and julienned carrots. Cook for an additional 10 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Step 7: Incorporate Vegan Cheese
Stir in the vegan cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until it melts completely into the soup.
Step 8: Blend for Creaminess
Remove about one-quarter of the soup from the pot. Place it in a high-speed blender, blend until creamy, then return it back to the pot. Stir well to combine.
Step 9: Season and Serve
Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot! Pair with croutons or bread for an extra treat. Enjoy your delicious Broccoli Cheddar Soup!
How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Serving Broccoli Cheddar Soup can elevate your meal, making it warm and inviting. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this creamy soup.
With Croutons
- Crunchy croutons add texture and a satisfying bite to the smooth soup.
Side of Bread
- A slice of crusty bread or a soft roll pairs well, perfect for dipping into the soup.
Salad on the Side
- A fresh green salad complements the richness of the soup and adds freshness to your meal.
Topped with Extra Cheese
- Sprinkle additional vegan cheddar cheese on top for an extra cheesy indulgence.
Garnished with Chives
- Fresh chives or scallions provide a burst of flavor and color when sprinkled on top.
In a Bread Bowl
- Serve the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a fun and edible serving option.
How to Perfect Broccoli Cheddar Soup
To make your Broccoli Cheddar Soup even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh broccoli and carrots enhance the flavor and nutrition of your soup.
- Adjust thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, blend more of it in the blender.
- Experiment with spices: Add nutmeg or cayenne pepper for an unexpected twist on flavors.
- Choose quality vegan cheese: High-quality vegan cheddar melts better and improves taste.
- Let it sit: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking enhances its flavors.
- Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Best Side Dishes for Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Broccoli Cheddar Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every drop of creamy goodness.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and acidity that balances the richness of the soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers can serve as a hearty addition alongside your bowl of soup.
- Veggie Wraps: Fresh veggie wraps offer a light and healthy accompaniment that complements the flavors well.
- Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad packed with veggies provides protein and makes it filling.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges are ideal for dipping into the broth and adding texture.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can cleanse your palate between bites of rich soup.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These savory sprouts add depth and nutritional value to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Broccoli Cheddar Soup can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using the wrong type of cheese: Not all vegan cheeses melt the same. Choose a brand known for its melting properties, like Follow Your Heart.
- Overcooking the vegetables: To keep the broccoli vibrant and nutrients intact, avoid cooking it too long. Aim for 10 minutes to achieve the perfect texture.
- Skipping the roux step: A roux thickens your soup and adds depth. Don’t skip this; it’s vital for a creamy consistency.
- Not seasoning adequately: Taste as you cook! Adding salt and pepper throughout helps build flavors rather than just at the end.
- Ignoring blending options: For a creamier soup, blend part of it. This adds a wonderful texture while maintaining some chunky vegetables.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between for even warming.
- Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
Can I make Broccoli Cheddar Soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day before! Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.
Is Broccoli Cheddar Soup vegan?
This recipe is vegan, using plant-based ingredients like vegan butter and cheese.
How do I thicken my Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
You can add more flour during the roux stage or blend a portion of the soup for natural thickness.
What goes well with Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Consider serving it with crusty bread or croutons for added texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding other vegetables or spices according to your taste. Give it a try; it’s sure to be a comforting favorite!
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a heartwarming, creamy delight that combines the freshness of broccoli with the richness of vegan cheddar. This comforting dish is not only perfect for cozy dinners but also makes for a quick and satisfying lunch or a delightful appetizer at gatherings. Packed with nutritious ingredients, this plant-based twist on a classic favorite will be loved by everyone, including picky eaters. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a bowl of velvety goodness that warms the soul and nourishes the body.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped white onions
- 1 clove diced garlic
- 3 cups finely chopped broccoli
- 1.5 cups julienned carrots
- 1/4 cup vegan butter
- 4 cups plain, unsweetened rice milk
- 1 cup vegan cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt vegan butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté chopped onions and garlic until soft (5-7 minutes).
- Stir in flour to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in vegetable broth and rice milk until smooth.
- Bring to a boil, then lower heat and add broccoli and carrots; cook for 10 minutes until tender.
- Stir in vegan cheese until melted.
- Blend part of the soup for creaminess, then return it to the pot.
- Season with salt and pepper, serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
