Fewer words today. Broccoli soup-I’m a fan. I doubted the mostly bland ingredient combination, added a smidge of butter and then loved it in the end. So easy and simple. (Ahem….and cheap.)
A few notes about this recipe: it’s low calorie/low fat but I couldn’t tell and one of those soups perfect for adding your own toppings, such as, cheese, crispy shallots, chutney (I drizzled cilantro chutney over mine), chips, pistou, croutons, maybe scallops or bacon.
The newest edition of Food & Wine magazine arrived at my door yesterday and I just need to hand it to them-clapping vigorously-the piece about throwing a soup party with a buffet of toppings was brilliant (as were the healthy recipes featured). If I were to have a gathering, I would ask that a pot of soup be brought to share from each couple or person whilst I provide a slew of additions to sprinkle, drizzle or grate over the top. My favorite toppings in the article were the potato croutons (basically fried potatoes) and fennel-orange gremolata.
Geez, I’m all linky today. What do you think about a soup party? What would your favorite topping(s) be with what soup?
Broccoli Soup adapted from Real Simple
Serves 4
Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
1 small onion, chopped
dash or two of red pepper flakes
2 cups vegetable broth (plus more to thin if needed)
1 large bunch broccoli, florets roughly chopped, stems peeled and sliced
1 large Russet potato, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
coarse salt/freshly ground pepper
various toppings (see above for recommendations)
Heat the oil and butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and a few dashes of red pepper flakes, stirring occasionally until the onion is soft, 5 to 6 minutes.
Add the broth, broccoli, potato, 2 cups broth, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to a simmer, cover until the vegetables are tender, 20 to 25 minutes.
In a blender, food processor or with a handheld immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. Add toppings-recommendations above and serve.
This sounds similar to a broccoli soup recipe I have and I thought the same thing. Too few ingredients, with one veggie being the primary one, how could this be good? But I was wrong as well. I also have a brown cabbage one that’s easy on the budget and waistline while tickling the tastebuds.
I love your soup party idea. While not quite something to sprinkle on top, I’d want some little toasts with melted cheese (think of french onion soup with a small cheese toast floating on top). A friend of mine used to have an 8-week fall gathering simply called soup night. She would make 2 soups each week – one meat and one vegetarian – and a blanket invitation would go out at the start of the eight weeks. Then every Thursday, whoever could make it would show up, bringing some type of side, dessert, appetizer or beverage to enhance the meal. No RSVPs needed, just show up when you could and enjoy good food with good friends.
Can I have your brown cabbage recipe? I love cabbage. Funny you mention French onion soup,Kris, I was just thinking to make that with the floating toast and all. Yum! Soup night sounds perfect with the ease of the food and simplicity of good friends gathering. Sigh-I wish. Happy Friday!
Keep up the great work! You get 10 stars for the great recipes and entertainment.
Thanks, dad…I mean stranger named Carl. You’re so sweet!
I adore broccoli, but I’ve never tried making a soup version of my favorite veggie. After seeing your post…I need to give this a try! Thank you for sharing your heart and this satisfying and healthy meal with me. I hope you have a blessed Saturday!
Happy to!
Epicurious
Scandinavian Brown Cabbage Soup
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Scandinavian-Brown-Cabbage-Soup-20109