Broccoli Feta Soup Recipe
If you’re searching for a warm, comforting bowl to brighten your day and nourish your soul, this Broccoli Feta Soup Recipe fits the bill perfectly. Imagine the fresh green vibrancy of broccoli combined with the creamy, tangy delight of feta cheese, all blended into a luscious, velvety soup that feels both indulgent and wholesome. This recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in the most satisfying way, offering you a vibrant dish that’s easy to make, utterly delicious, and ideal for any season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Broccoli Feta Soup Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each contributing essential flavors and textures that create a harmonious bowl of goodness. From the fresh broccoli’s bright color and earthy crunch to the creamy richness of feta and heavy cream, every component plays a vital role.
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets: The star ingredient providing freshness, vibrant color, and a satisfying texture after cooking.
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese: Adds a tangy creaminess that beautifully balances the broccoli’s earthiness.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Builds a tender, flavorful base when sautéed, enhancing the soup’s depth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with a warm, aromatic kick that complements the other flavors.
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth: Creates the perfect liquid base, infusing savory notes without overpowering the soup.
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half): Brings luscious creaminess and a silky texture to the finished soup.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the aromatics and adding a smooth, rich undertone.
How to Make Broccoli Feta Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, then sauté them gently until they turn translucent and fragrant. This usually takes around five minutes and is where your soup begins to develop those deep, savory notes that form its heart and soul.
Step 2: Add the Broccoli Florets
Once your onions and garlic are perfectly softened, add the fresh broccoli florets. Stir them around for a couple of minutes, letting the flavors meld while gently waking up the broccoli’s subtle earthiness. This step locks in those fresh flavors and sets the stage for the soup’s vibrant taste.
Step 3: Simmer in Broth
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, raising the heat just enough to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and let everything cook together for about 10 minutes. This allows the broccoli to become tender and infuses the broth with a green, veggie-rich essence.
Step 4: Blend Until Smooth
Grab your immersion blender and carefully puree the soup right in the pot. Blend it until you reach a smooth, creamy consistency. If you prefer a little texture, you can blend less or pulse gently to leave some broccoli bits intact. This step transforms the soup from chunky to luxuriously velvety.
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Feta
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and crumbled feta cheese. Let the cheese gently melt into the soup, swirling in its rich, tangy goodness without boiling the mixture. This careful warming ensures you keep that fresh feta flavor while creating an irresistibly creamy finish.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, and your soup is ready to serve! Ladle it hot into bowls, ready to warm you up and delight your palate with every spoonful.
How to Serve Broccoli Feta Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the right garnish can elevate your Broccoli Feta Soup Recipe from simple to spectacular. Consider a sprinkle of extra crumbled feta on top, a handful of toasted pine nuts for crunch, or a drizzle of good olive oil to add a glossy finish. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley add bursts of color and brightness that complement the soup beautifully.
Side Dishes
This soup loves company! Serve it alongside crusty artisan bread or garlic toast to soak up every creamy drop. A crisp green salad provides a refreshing contrast, while roasted potatoes or a quinoa salad can transform it into a heartier meal. These sides bring balance and texture, making your soup experience even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests or simply enjoy your soup with a little flair? Serve it in rustic bread bowls for an edible, stylish touch. For a lighter presentation, use small cups as part of a starter spread at a party. Swirling a bit of pesto or hot sauce on top creates a swirl of color and flavor that looks stunning and tastes incredible. The possibilities are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra soup (which is quite likely), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy the lovely flavors at your convenience.
Freezing
The Broccoli Feta Soup Recipe freezes well, making it a perfect candidate for meal prep. Cool the soup completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep for up to 3 months without losing its creamy texture or delightful flavor.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the soup gently on the stove over low heat to preserve its velvety texture and prevent the cream from separating. Stir occasionally and add a splash of broth or cream if it seems too thick. This careful reheating keeps it tasting fresh and luscious as if it was just made.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works great and can add convenience. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as frozen broccoli may cook faster and release more water, so keep an eye on the consistency.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
Yes! You can use half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter soup, though the creaminess will be slightly reduced. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream works but will add a subtle coconut flavor.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Definitely. Use vegetable broth and replace feta cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Swap out heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream to keep it creamy and delicious.
What is the best way to blend the soup?
An immersion blender is ideal because it allows you to blend directly in the pot with minimal cleanup. If you don’t have one, a regular blender works too—just be careful blending hot liquids and work in batches.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Yes, this soup is very versatile! Try adding spinach, peas, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is tender and well incorporated.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a bowl of homemade Broccoli Feta Soup Recipe that wraps you in comfort while delivering a flavorful punch. It’s perfect for cozy nights, quick lunches, or anytime you want to turn simple ingredients into a memorable meal. I encourage you to try making this soup yourself — it’s easy, rewarding, and sure to become one of your new favorites.
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Broccoli Feta Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
A creamy and flavorful Broccoli Feta Soup that combines fresh broccoli florets with tangy crumbled feta cheese, garlic, and onion, simmered in broth and finished with rich heavy cream. This comforting soup is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the pot and stir for 2 minutes to combine and lock in flavors.
- Simmer: Pour in the low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
- Blend Soup: Using an immersion blender, blend the mixture until smooth or achieve the desired consistency.
- Add Cream and Feta: Stir in the heavy cream and crumbled feta cheese over low heat until warmed through, being careful not to boil.
- Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy Broccoli Feta Soup.
Notes
- For a thinner soup, add more broth or cream to reach your preferred consistency.
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter option.
- To keep it vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Use fresh broccoli for the best flavor and texture.
- Be careful not to overheat after adding the feta to prevent curdling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
