When you think about comfort food, it’s easy to imagine a steaming bowl of soup. Now, imagine that soup being filled with vibrant greens, creamy textures, and a burst of tangy flavor from feta cheese. That’s what we’re talking about with this Broccoli and Feta Soup. This recipe is a deliciously satisfying dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or when you just need something light yet filling.
Broccoli, already a superfood, brings so many health benefits to the table, while feta adds a rich, salty, and creamy contrast. Combining these two makes for a soup that’s not just tasty but also nutritious. Whether you’re a fan of the earthy, fresh taste of broccoli or you adore the briny, crumbly nature of feta, this soup has the best of both worlds.
Let’s get into the details-how to make it, what ingredients to use, and why it’s worth adding this soup to your regular rotation.
Broccoli And Feta Soup Recipe
The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity, but don’t let that fool you-it’s loaded with flavor and texture. It’s also quite versatile, so you can tweak it depending on what you have in the pantry or your specific preferences.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this satisfying soup:
- 1 large head of broccoli – Fresh and full of flavor, this is the star of the show. You can also use frozen broccoli if fresh isn’t available.
- 1 medium onion, chopped – Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic gives a wonderful aromatic base and enhances the broccoli’s earthy flavor.
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer taste) – This will form the base of the soup and create the body of the liquid.
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled – The creamy, tangy feta cheese will elevate this soup to another level.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the vegetables and adding some healthy fats.
- 1/2 cup milk or cream – For a smooth, velvety texture. You can substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
- Salt and pepper, to taste – Essential seasonings to bring everything together.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme (optional) – Adds an aromatic note to the soup.
- Lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice (optional) – For a fresh, citrusy lift that complements the rich feta flavor.
Cooking Instructions
Making this soup is straightforward, and the process doesn’t take long at all. Here’s how to go about it:
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Prepare The Ingredients
- Wash the broccoli thoroughly and chop it into florets. Don’t forget to peel and chop the stalks if you like a heartier texture in your soup.
- Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
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Sauté The Onion And Garlic
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until softened and slightly translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
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Cook The Broccoli
- Add the broccoli florets (and stalks if using) to the pot. Sauté for about 3 minutes, just enough to start softening the broccoli.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
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Blend The Soup
- Once the broccoli is soft, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup to your desired consistency. You can also transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, but be careful as the soup will be hot.
- If you like a chunkier soup, pulse a few times. For a smoother consistency, blend until fully creamy.
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Add The Feta And Cream
- Return the blended soup to the heat and stir in the crumbled feta cheese. Let it melt into the soup and add a nice creamy texture.
- Pour in the milk or cream and stir until well incorporated. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
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Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra feta, a sprinkle of thyme, or even a drizzle of olive oil if you like.
- Serve hot, with a side of crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
Ingredient Insights
Here’s why the key ingredients shine in this soup:
- Broccoli: It’s a powerhouse of nutrients, loaded with vitamins K and C, fiber, and antioxidants. It’s not just healthy but also naturally earthy and slightly bitter, which balances beautifully with the creamy feta.
- Feta Cheese: Feta is made from sheep’s milk (or a mixture of sheep and goat’s milk), giving it a distinct tangy, salty flavor. The creaminess of the feta enhances the texture of the soup, making it feel rich without being overwhelming.
- Vegetable Broth: Broth adds a savory base and keeps the soup lighter compared to using a cream-heavy base. You can adjust the depth of flavor depending on the type of broth you choose.
- Milk or Cream: Adds that smooth, velvety finish, making the soup more luxurious and comforting.
- Lemon: A splash of lemon brings brightness to balance the richness of the feta and the earthiness of the broccoli. It cuts through the heaviness and refreshes the palate.
Expert Tips
- Sautéing the Broccoli: While you don’t want to overcook the broccoli, giving it a few minutes of sautéing before simmering helps to develop deeper flavors and can make the soup taste more complex.
- Texture Preferences: If you like your soup extra creamy, use a high-powered blender to really smooth it out. For a rustic feel, blend only half of the soup and leave the rest chunky.
- Feta Variations: If you’re not a fan of feta, try goat cheese or even ricotta. Each cheese brings its own flavor profile and texture. If you prefer something milder, you could also use Parmesan, though it won’t melt the same way feta does.
- Make It Vegan: Skip the feta and use a non-dairy cream (like coconut cream or oat milk) for a fully plant-based soup. You can even use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Add a Protein Boost: If you want to turn this into a more substantial meal, consider adding some cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or even shredded chicken.
Recipe Variations
This soup is super adaptable. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Spicy Broccoli and Feta Soup: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a sliced jalapeño to the pot when sautéing the onions for some heat.
- Broccoli and Feta with Bacon: For a crispy, savory twist, sauté some bacon bits and sprinkle them on top of the soup when serving.
- Herb Twist: Swap out thyme for rosemary or basil for a different aromatic profile.
- Add a Potato: For extra creaminess and a heartier texture, boil a diced potato in the broth with the broccoli and blend everything together.
- Smoky Flavor: Add smoked paprika to bring a subtle smoky depth to the soup.
Final Words
This Broccoli and Feta Soup isn’t just another vegetable soup-it’s a heartwarming, flavorful dish that balances the earthy freshness of broccoli with the creamy richness of feta. It’s quick, easy, and versatile enough to become your go-to winter meal or a refreshing light lunch.