Homemade Italian Broccoli Soup (Print)
A velvety Italian-style soup featuring fresh broccoli, aromatic vegetables, and Parmesan, ready in just 45 minutes.
# What You Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 large head broccoli (about 1.1 lbs), cut into florets
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 1 medium carrot, diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
→ Liquids
07 - 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
08 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
→ Dairy
09 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
→ Seasonings
10 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
12 - Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
13 - Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling (optional)
# How To Make It:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
02 - Add diced potato and broccoli florets to the pot. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
03 - Pour in broth and add dried Italian herbs. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes until vegetables are very tender.
04 - Remove from heat. Using an immersion blender, or carefully transferring to a blender in batches, puree until smooth and creamy.
05 - Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
06 - Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with extra Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, and fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It transforms ordinary broccoli into something silky and luxurious without a drop of cream
- The secret potato addition makes it velvety while keeping it completely gluten free
02 -
- Hot soup expands violently in blenders so always remove the center cap and cover with a towel
- The soup thickens as it sits so keep extra broth on hand if reheating the next day
03 -
- Use the broccoli stalks peeled and diced instead of discarding them
- A pinch of red pepper flakes adds subtle warmth that balances the creaminess