Broccoli soup with milk is a comforting and creamy dish that’s both nourishing and easy to make. The soup balances the earthy flavors of fresh broccoli with the rich, velvety texture of milk, creating a harmonious blend that’s perfect for any time of year. Whether you’re in the middle of winter craving something warm, or you’re simply looking for a healthy lunch or dinner, this recipe offers a cozy, satisfying option. Not to mention, it’s packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome choice for families or anyone looking to add more veggies to their diet.
What’s even better? It’s quick and simple to prepare, with common ingredients you might already have in your kitchen. So, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making a delicious bowl of broccoli soup with milk that will not only fill your stomach but will warm your soul.
Broccoli Soup With Milk Recipe
This creamy broccoli soup is rich in flavor, packed with vitamins, and easy to prepare. With minimal prep work, you can have a comforting bowl ready in under an hour. It’s versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own or served as a starter to a larger meal.
Ingredients Needed
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Fresh Broccoli (about 2 Heads)
The star of the dish. Fresh, green broccoli adds a vibrant color and a sweet, slightly bitter flavor that’s perfect for the soup base.
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1 Medium Onion, Chopped
Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the soup. Onion is the perfect complement to broccoli, cutting through some of the bitterness and rounding out the flavor profile.
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2 Tablespoons Of Olive Oil Or Butter
A base fat for sautéing the onions and creating the smooth texture of the soup. Olive oil brings a lightness, while butter adds richness.
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2 Cloves Of Garlic, Minced
Garlic brings an aromatic punch, enhancing the overall flavor. It’s not overpowering but gives a mild, savory undertone.
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4 Cups Of Vegetable Or Chicken Broth
The broth is the liquid that will make the soup more liquidy and flavorful. You can choose between vegetable broth for a plant-based version or chicken broth for a richer taste.
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2 Cups Of Milk
This is the key ingredient that gives the soup its creamy texture. Whole milk will create a rich, velvety soup, but you can opt for lower-fat versions for a lighter feel.
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1/2 Teaspoon Of Salt
Salt enhances the flavors, making the broccoli and garlic stand out. You can adjust this to your preference, adding more if needed.
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1/4 Teaspoon Of Black Pepper
Black pepper adds a bit of sharpness to the soup, balancing the creamy and earthy flavors.
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Optional: A Pinch Of Nutmeg
Nutmeg pairs surprisingly well with creamy soups. It adds a warm, slightly sweet flavor that rounds out the soup beautifully.
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Optional: Fresh Herbs For Garnish (like Parsley Or Thyme)
For a touch of freshness and color, herbs like parsley or thyme make great garnishes. They elevate the presentation and flavor.
Cooking Instructions
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Prep The Broccoli
Start by washing the broccoli thoroughly and cutting it into florets. If you prefer a smoother soup, you can also peel and chop the stems into smaller pieces to incorporate them as well.
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Sauté The Aromatics
In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This will help to release their natural flavors.
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Cook The Broccoli
Add the broccoli florets to the pot and stir them in with the onions and garlic. Let them cook for 3-4 minutes to soften slightly and infuse the soup with flavor.
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Add The Broth
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, ensuring the broccoli is submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let the broccoli cook for 10-15 minutes or until it’s tender enough to easily pierce with a fork.
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Blend The Soup
Once the broccoli is tender, use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches.
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Add The Milk
After blending, return the soup to medium heat. Slowly pour in the milk while stirring continuously. Allow the soup to heat through, but do not let it come to a full boil to avoid curdling the milk. Stir in the salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings like nutmeg.
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Taste And Adjust
Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. If it’s too thick for your liking, you can add more milk or broth to thin it out. If you want a more intense flavor, a dash of extra salt or pepper can be added.
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Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs or a swirl of cream if desired. Serve warm with a side of crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal.
Ingredient Insights
Let’s break down a few of the key ingredients and why they matter:
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Broccoli
Packed with vitamins C, K, and A, as well as fiber, broccoli is an excellent vegetable to include in your diet. The high antioxidant content in broccoli also makes it a great food for boosting immunity and promoting healthy digestion.
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Milk
Beyond its role in making the soup creamy, milk is a great source of calcium and protein. If you’re using full-fat milk, it also contributes a richness that makes the soup feel luxurious. If you’re opting for non-dairy milks, such as almond or oat milk, be sure to choose one that is unsweetened to maintain the soup’s savory flavor profile.
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Broth
Using either vegetable or chicken broth imparts a depth of flavor to the soup. Broth can also help balance the richness of the milk, keeping the soup from feeling too heavy.
Expert Tips
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Blending Options
If you prefer a chunkier soup, only blend half of the soup, leaving some broccoli pieces intact for texture. You can also blend just the broccoli and leave the garlic and onion in their sautéed form for a slightly more rustic soup.
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Don’t Overcook The Broccoli
Broccoli can lose its bright green color and become mushy if overcooked. Keep an eye on it, and as soon as it’s tender, remove it from the heat.
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Adjust Consistency
If you prefer your soup thicker, use less broth. If you like it thinner, add more broth or milk. The consistency is entirely up to you.
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Season Gradually
Always taste as you go when adding seasonings. This allows you to adjust the salt, pepper, and other spices to suit your preferences.
Recipe Variations
While the basic broccoli soup with milk is already delicious, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it:
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Cheese Lover’s Version
Add a handful of shredded cheddar, parmesan, or even gruyere to your soup after blending. Stir until melted, and enjoy a creamy, cheesy version.
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Spicy Twist
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce for a bit of heat. You can also try incorporating a small diced chili pepper into the sautéed onions and garlic.
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Vegan Version
Swap the milk for a plant-based milk like almond or coconut milk. Use vegetable broth, and replace the butter with olive oil for a fully vegan-friendly soup.
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Roasted Broccoli Soup
Instead of steaming the broccoli, try roasting it first to bring out a sweeter, caramelized flavor. Toss the florets in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast in the oven at 400°F for 20 minutes before adding them to the pot.
Final Words
Broccoli soup with milk is a wonderfully versatile dish that can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary needs. Whether you enjoy it as a simple, comforting meal or as a base to add your own creative twists, it’s a soup that will always satisfy.
The combination of broccoli’s health benefits and the creamy texture of milk makes this soup a standout choice for anyone looking for a nutritious yet indulgent dish. And let’s not forget how easy it is to prepare-perfect for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner after a long day.