Description
This Cream of Broccoli Soup with Smoked Gouda is a rich and flavorful soup combining tender broccoli florets with creamy smoked gouda cheese, enhanced with a subtle hint of blue cheese or sour cream. Perfectly balanced with sautéed onions and garnished with seeds and optional single cream, it’s a comforting dish ideal for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 head (350 g / 12 oz) broccoli florets only
- 750 ml (3 cups) vegetable or chicken stock
Cheese and Cream
- 2-3 tbsp blue cheese or sour cream
- 100 g (3.5 oz) smoked gouda or cheddar, shredded
- 4 tbsp single cream (optional)
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds, nigella seeds, or poppy seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: In a medium pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over low heat. Add the chopped onion and cook gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent but not browned.
- Cook Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the pot along with 750 ml (3 cups) of vegetable or chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle boil. Cover with the lid and cook for 15 minutes until the broccoli is fully tender.
- Blend Soup: Once the broccoli is cooked, blend the soup until smooth. You can either use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer the soup in batches to a food processor. While blending, add 2-3 tablespoons of blue cheese or sour cream for extra creaminess.
- Heat and Add Cheese: If blended separately, return the smooth soup to the pot. Gently heat it until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded smoked gouda until it melts completely and blends into the soup.
- Season: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. The amount depends on the saltiness of your cheeses and stock, so seasoning carefully is important.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, swirl in 4 tablespoons of single cream for extra richness. Sprinkle your choice of sesame seeds, nigella seeds, or poppy seeds on top for a nice crunch and visual appeal. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- This cream of broccoli soup is elevated by the smoky depth of smoked gouda and the subtle tang from blue cheese or sour cream.
- The choice of seeds for garnish adds a delightful texture and slight nuttiness.
- Using an immersion blender keeps cleanup easy and minimizes soup transfer.
- You can substitute smoked gouda with sharp cheddar if preferred, but the smoky flavor is distinctive here.
- Single cream is optional but adds beautiful richness if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 262 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 554 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 44 mg
