Broccoli And Celery Soup Recipe

The broccoli and celery soup recipe is made with broccoli, celery, onion, garlic, potatoes or rice, spinach, and a bouquet garni. This hearty broccoli and celery soup recipe creates a delicious dinner that takes about 45 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 6 people.

Broccoli And Celery Soup Recipe Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 stalks celery, diced
• 2 to 4 garlic cloves, minced (to taste)
• 2 pounds broccoli (mostly crowns, chopped; stems, if using, peeled and diced)
• 6 ounces potatoes, peeled and diced (or ½ cup medium grain rice)
• 2 quarts water or vegetable stock
• 1 bouquet garni (made with 1 bay leaf, a Parmesan rind, and a couple of sprigs each of thyme and parsley)
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
• 1½ ounces spinach leaves or baby spinach (1 cup, tightly packed)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, tarragon, chives) for garnish

Optional Garnishes:

• A drizzle of olive oil
• A swirl of crème fraîche or plain yogurt
• A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan

Broccoli And Celery Soup Recipe Instruction

1. Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large, heavy soup pot or Dutch oven.
2. Add the onion and celery. Cook, stirring, until tender, about 5 to 8 minutes. Do not allow these ingredients to brown. Add a generous pinch of salt to prevent browning.
3. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute.
4. Add the broccoli, potatoes or rice, water or stock, bouquet garni, and additional salt. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
6. Remove the bouquet garni.
7. Stir in the spinach and let sit for a minute off the heat. Add freshly ground pepper, taste, and adjust salt.
8. Using a hand blender or a regular blender (in batches), purée the soup. If using a regular blender, fill only halfway and cover the top with a towel pulled down tight instead of sealing with the lid. This prevents the hot soup from pushing the lid off.
9. Return the puréed soup to the pot and heat through, stirring. Adjust the seasoning to taste with salt and pepper.
10. Serve, topping each bowl with a sprinkle of chopped herbs and other garnishes of your choice.

Recipe Tips

• Enhance Flavor with Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or dill to add a unique flavor profile to the soup.
• Boost Creaminess: For a richer texture without dairy, blend in a handful of soaked cashews or a scoop of cooked white beans.
• Add Depth with Roasted Vegetables: Roast some of the broccoli florets or other vegetables before adding them to the soup for a deeper, caramelized flavor.

How To Store Broccoli And Celery Soup Recipe

Refrigerate: Cool the broccoli and celery soup completely. Then, either cover the pot with plastic wrap or transfer the soup to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

Freeze: For extended storage, freeze the soup. First, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or use freezer bags. The soup can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How To Reheat Leftover Broccoli And Celery Soup Recipe

On The Stove: Pour the leftover soup into a pot and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Heat for about 5-10 minutes, or until it is hot all the way through.

In The Microwave: Put a portion of the soup in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

In The Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the soup into an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Reheat for about 15-20 minutes, or until it is hot all the way through.

What To Serve Broccoli And Celery Soup Recipe

Broccoli and celery soup pairs well with crusty bread, garlic bread, a side salad, and roasted vegetables. It also can be served alongside a grilled cheese sandwich, a quinoa salad, a light pasta dish, and fresh fruit for better savoring of the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Make sure to thaw it first and adjust the cooking time as needed, since frozen broccoli may cook faster than fresh.

What can I use as a substitute for potatoes in this recipe?

If you prefer not to use potatoes, you can substitute them with ½ cup of medium grain rice or even cauliflower for a low-carb option.

How do I make this soup creamier without using dairy?

To make the soup creamier without dairy, you can blend in some soaked cashews or add a splash of coconut milk for a rich, creamy texture.

Try more recipes:

• Bottle Gourd Chinese Soup Recipe
• Broccoli and Blue Cheese Soup Recipe
• Bone Broth Soup Recipe