Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting and creamy dish that can warm your soul on chilly days. This vegan version offers the same rich flavors as the classic recipe without sacrificing health. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this soup is sure to please everyone at your table. It stands out with its vibrant broccoli, hearty carrots, and melty vegan cheddar cheese, making it a delightful staple for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll whip up this delicious soup in no time.
- Creamy Texture: Blending a portion of the soup creates a smooth, velvety finish that enhances every spoonful.
- Healthy Twist: Enjoy all the flavors of traditional broccoli cheddar soup without the dairy, making it a guilt-free option.
- Versatile Meal: Serve it as a main dish or alongside your favorite bread or sandwiches for a complete meal.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making Broccoli Cheddar Soup, gather your essential tools. Having everything at hand will streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- High-speed blender
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for simmering the soup evenly and allowing all ingredients to blend perfectly.
- High-speed blender: Creates that creamy texture by easily pureeing part of the soup.
- Whisk: Helps incorporate flour into the butter smoothly to form a roux without lumps.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 1 cup white onions (chopped)
– 1 clove garlic (finely diced)
– 1/4 cup vegan butter
– 1/2 cup all purpose flour
– 3 cups vegetable broth
– 4 cups rice milk (plain, unsweetened)
– 3 heaping cups broccoli (finely chopped)
– 1 1/2 heaping cups julienned carrots
– 1 cup vegan cheddar cheese
– Salt & pepper to taste
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Melt the vegan butter in a large pot over medium heat until fully liquid.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
- Add the chopped onions and finely diced garlic to the pot.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Create the Roux
- Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour.
- Stir well until fully combined with the butter, forming a roux.
Step 4: Add Liquids
- Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth and rice milk.
- Continue whisking until there are no lumps from the roux.
Step 5: Bring to a Boil
Turn up the heat to bring the mixture to a boil while stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Add Broccoli and Carrots
Once boiling, reduce heat back to medium.
Add finely chopped broccoli and julienned carrots.
Cook for about 10 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Step 7: Incorporate Vegan Cheese
Stir in your favorite vegan cheddar cheese until completely melted into the soup.
Step 8: Blend for Creaminess
Remove about 1/4 of the soup from the pot.
Place it in a high-speed blender.
Blend until creamy, then return it back to the pot and stir well.
Step 9: Season and Serve
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Enjoy your Broccoli Cheddar Soup hot! We recommend serving it with croutons or crusty bread for an extra treat.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Serving broccoli cheddar soup can enhance its flavor and presentation. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this creamy dish that will impress your family or guests.
With Crusty Bread
- A slice of rustic sourdough or a baguette pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the soup, perfect for dipping.
Topped with Croutons
- Add some crunch by topping your bowl with homemade or store-bought croutons for added texture and flavor.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and freshness that complements the cheese.
Served in a Bread Bowl
- For a fun twist, serve the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl. It’s not only delicious but also edible!
Accompanied by Salad
- A light side salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup perfectly.
With Vegan Grilled Cheese
- Pair it with a crispy vegan grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting meal that everyone will love.
How to Perfect Broccoli Cheddar Soup
To make your broccoli cheddar soup even better, consider these helpful tips.
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Use fresh ingredients – Fresh broccoli and vegetables will elevate the taste and nutrients in your soup.
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Adjust thickness – If you like your soup thicker, blend more of it before serving; for thinner consistency, add more broth.
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Experiment with spices – Enhance flavors by adding spices like paprika or nutmeg for an unexpected twist.
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Let it simmer – Allowing the soup to simmer longer can deepen flavors; just be careful not to overcook the veggies.
Best Side Dishes for Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Complementing your broccoli cheddar soup with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options:
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Garlic Bread – Toasted bread smothered in garlic butter is always a hit and adds robust flavor.
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Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine topped with vegan Caesar dressing brings freshness and crunch alongside the creamy soup.
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Stuffed Peppers – Colorful peppers stuffed with quinoa and veggies provide nutrition and variety to your plate.
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Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized offer a sweet contrast to the savory soup.
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Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a filling side that complements any soup.
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Vegetable Spring Rolls – Light and fresh, these rolls add an Asian flair to your meal while keeping things healthy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Broccoli Cheddar Soup can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out perfectly every time.
- Boldly adding too much flour: Overdoing the flour can make your soup thick and pasty. Measure carefully and add gradually to reach your desired consistency.
- Neglecting to chop vegetables properly: Big chunks of broccoli or carrots may not cook evenly. Aim for uniform sizes to ensure everything cooks at the same rate.
- Skipping the blending step: Blending part of the soup creates a creamy texture that enhances the overall experience. Don’t skip this crucial step!
- Not seasoning adequately: A lack of salt and pepper can make your soup bland. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning for maximum flavor.
- Using low-quality vegan cheese: The type of cheese you choose matters! Invest in a good quality vegan cheddar for the best results and flavor.
- Rushing the cooking process: Allowing enough time for each step is key. Be patient, especially when sautéing onions and garlic, as this builds flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat only what you plan to eat to preserve freshness.
Freezing Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warm.
- Microwave: Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh broccoli works great! Just make sure it’s chopped into small pieces for even cooking.
What can I substitute for rice milk?
Any plant-based milk will work well. Almond milk or oat milk are good alternatives that will still keep the soup creamy.
How do I make my Broccoli Cheddar Soup spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes during cooking for a little heat.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This soup stores well, making it perfect for meal prep lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or spices according to your taste. Enjoy it with croutons or bread for a cozy meal any day!
Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 6 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the creamy comfort of our Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup, a delightful twist on the classic recipe that warms your heart while keeping health in mind. This soup is packed with vibrant broccoli, sweet carrots, and rich vegan cheddar, making it perfect for lunch or dinner. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, this dish promises to please everyone at your table. Enjoy it on its own or paired with crusty bread for an extra treat!
Ingredients
- 1 cup white onions (chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (finely diced)
- 1/4 cup vegan butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 4 cups rice milk (plain, unsweetened)
- 3 heaping cups broccoli (finely chopped)
- 1 1/2 heaping cups julienned carrots
- 1 cup vegan cheddar cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt the vegan butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté onions and garlic for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in flour to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in vegetable broth and rice milk until smooth.
- Bring to a boil; add broccoli and carrots, cooking for about 10 minutes.
- Stir in vegan cheddar until melted.
- Blend a portion of the soup for creaminess; return to pot and mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
