Creamy Vegan Broccoli Soup Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our creamy vegan broccoli soup recipe with mozzarella cheese! This plant-based delight is perfect for days when you crave something warm and nourishing or simply crave a healthy, delicious meal full of nutrients. Packed with vibrant broccoli, silky coconut milk, and a blend of aromatic spices, this soup offers a rich and satisfying flavor without any dairy. This creamy broccoli soup is sure to become a favorite. Get ready to savor each spoonful of this delicious, wholesome, and easy-to-make soup!
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Creamy Vegan Broccoli Soup
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk (or any other plant-based milk)
- 1 cup Nuttino mozzarella cheese
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional for extra cheesy flavor)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Crusty bread (for serving, optional)
Instructions for Creamy Vegan Broccoli Soup
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Chop the onion, mince the garlic, peel and dice the potato, peel and chop the carrot, and chop the celery stalk.
Sauté the Aromatics:
- Add the chopped onion to a large pot with a small amount of water and sauté until translucent for about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Cook the Vegetables:
- Add the broccoli florets, diced potato, chopped carrot, and chopped celery to the pot.
- Pour in the 2 cups of vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
Simmer the Soup:
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 15–20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
Blend the Soup:
- Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.
Add the Creaminess:
- Stir in 1 cup of coconut milk (or any other plant-based milk) and 1 cup of vegan mozzarella cheese.
- Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
- If using, add 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast for an extra cheesy flavor.
- If needed blend again to make smooth
Heat and Adjust Seasoning:
- Continue to cook the soup over low heat, stirring frequently, until the vegan mozzarella cheese is melted, and the soup is heated through.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Serve:
- Ladle the creamy vegan broccoli soup into bowls.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve with crusty bread, if desired.
Our creamy vegan broccoli soup is the perfect comfort food for any season. This delicious vegan recipe, enhanced with vegan mozzarella cheese, offers a rich and satisfying experience that will warm your heart and nourish your body. Whether you’re a dedicated vegan or simply looking to explore more plant-based options, this vegan broccoli cheese soup is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. With its vibrant flavors, creamy texture, and wholesome ingredients, it’s a dish that brings comfort and joy to every meal. Enjoy this delightful soup and discover the true essence of plant-based comfort food!
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Vegan Broccoli Soup
- Crusty Bread: Serve the soup with a side of warm, crusty bread. It’s perfect for dipping and adds a delightful crunch to each bite.
- Garlic Bread: Pair the soup with homemade or store-bought garlic bread for an extra layer of flavor.
- Vegan Croutons: Top your soup with crispy vegan croutons. They add a satisfying crunch and additional texture.
- Fresh Salad: Serve alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette. The crispness of the salad complements the creamy soup beautifully.
- Avocado Toast: Enjoy the soup with a slice of avocado toast sprinkled with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a light and refreshing side.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Pair with vegan stuffed mushrooms for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Grilled Vegetables: Serve the soup with a side of grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus for a nutritious and flavorful addition.
- Rice or Quinoa: Add a scoop of cooked rice or quinoa to your bowl for a more filling meal, providing extra protein and texture.
These serving suggestions will enhance your creamy vegan broccoli soup experience, making it a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations
Enhance your creamy vegan broccoli soup with these serving tips and variations to raise your dining experience. Pairing the soup with a side of warm, crusty bread or garlic bread adds a delightful crunch and makes for perfect dipping. For an extra layer of flavor, top the soup with crispy vegan croutons or additional vegan cheese. Complement the rich creaminess with a fresh green salad or enjoy a light and refreshing side of avocado toast. For a more filling meal, add a scoop of cooked rice or quinoa, or serve alongside grilled vegetables and vegan stuffed mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor. Garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or basil not only adds a burst of color but also freshens up the taste. These variations ensure your creamy vegan broccoli soup is versatile, delicious, and suited to any palate.
FAQs
How to Thicken Broccoli Soup?
- Blending: Puree the soup using an immersion blender or transfer it to a blender in batches. Blending breaks down the broccoli and other vegetables, creating a naturally thick and creamy consistency.
- Potatoes: Add a peeled and diced potato to the soup while it’s cooking. Potatoes break down and release starch, which thickens the soup when blended.
- Cauliflower: Use cauliflower in addition to or instead of some of the broccoli. When pureed, cauliflower adds creaminess and thickness without altering the flavor significantly.
- Cornstarch or Arrowroot Powder: Dissolve 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch or arrowroot powder in a small amount of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the soup and simmer until it thickens.
- Silken Tofu: Blend in silken tofu for an added protein boost and creamy texture without altering the taste significantly.
- Coconut Cream: Stir in a can of coconut cream or use the thick part of a can of coconut milk. This adds richness and thickens the soup.
- Lentils or split peas: Simmer a few tablespoons of lentils or split peas in the soup mixture until soft, then blend. This adds thickness and protein to the soup.
These methods can help you achieve the perfect consistency for your creamy vegan broccoli soup, making it even more delicious and satisfying.
Why Does My Broccoli Soup Taste Bland?
- Insufficient Seasoning: Proper seasoning is crucial for a flavorful soup. Ensure you add enough salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients. Taste as you cook and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
- Lack of Aromatics: Onions, garlic, and celery provide a strong flavor base for soups. Sauté these aromatics before adding the broth and other ingredients to develop deeper flavors.
- Under seasoned Broth: Using a flavorful vegetable broth can make a significant difference. Opt for a high-quality, well-seasoned broth or make your own to ensure a rich base.
- Overcooking Vegetables: Overcooking broccoli can lead to a loss of flavor. Cook the vegetables just until tender to preserve their taste.
- Missing Acidity: A splash of acid such as lemon juice or a dash of vinegar can brighten the flavors and add depth. Add this at the end of cooking to avoid a harsh acidic taste.
- Insufficient Fat: Fats like coconut milk, or vegan butter can carry and enhance flavors. Adding a bit of fat can make the soup taste richer and more satisfying.
- Lack of Umami: Umami-rich ingredients like nutritional yeast, soy sauce, or miso paste can add depth and complexity to your soup, making it more savory and satisfying.
- Not Enough Herbs and Spices: Herbs and spices like thyme, basil, and bay leaves can add layers of flavor. Be generous with these and consider adding a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for extra dimension.
- Low-Quality or Old Ingredients: Using fresh, high-quality ingredients makes a big difference in flavor. Avoid using old or wilted vegetables, as they can result in a bland taste.
- Lack of Complexity: Adding different textures and flavors, such as a crunchy garnish or a drizzle of flavored oil, can enhance the overall taste experience of the soup.
By addressing these factors, you can enhance the flavor of your broccoli soup and create a more vibrant and delicious dish.
How Long Does Broccoli Soup Last in the Fridge?
Broccoli soup typically lasts about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly. Here are some tips to ensure it stays fresh:
- Cool the Soup: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before refrigerating to prevent condensation and bacterial growth.
- Airtight Container: Store the soup in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the soup from absorbing other odors in the fridge.
- Label and Date: Label the container with the date it was made to keep track of its freshness.
If you need to keep the soup for longer, consider freezing it. When properly stored in an airtight container or freezer bag, broccoli soup can last up to 2 to 3 months in the freezer. Make sure to leave some space at the top of the container for expansion as the soup freezes.