Broccoli Potato Soup

Broccoli Potato Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you’re craving a warm and satisfying meal. Made with simple ingredients and packed with flavor, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make this delicious soup from scratch, along with variations to suit different dietary preferences, including keto and low-carb options.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup milk or heavy cream
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional toppings: extra shredded cheese, bacon bits, chopped chives

Instructions:

1. Cook the Vegetables:

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the diced potatoes and broccoli florets to the pot, and sauté for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Add the Broth:

1. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and bring the mixture to a boil.
2. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes and broccoli are tender.

3. Blend the Soup:

1. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
2. Stir in the milk or heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and the soup is heated through.

4. Season to Taste:

1. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra shredded cheese, bacon bits, or chopped chives if desired.
2. Serve the Broccoli Potato Soup hot, with crusty bread or crackers on the side.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Add Protein: For added protein, you can stir in cooked chicken, ham, or bacon pieces into the soup before serving.
• Creamy Texture: For an even creamier texture, you can add more milk or heavy cream to the soup, or stir in a dollop of sour cream.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the bacon bits and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian-friendly version of this soup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh? A: Yes, you can use frozen broccoli florets in this recipe. Simply add them directly to the pot without thawing, and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Q: How can I make this soup keto-friendly? A: To make a keto-friendly version of this soup, you can replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets and use heavy cream instead of milk. Skip the optional toppings or use keto-friendly toppings such as shredded cheese and crispy bacon.

Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Keto and Low-Carb Version:

For a keto-friendly version of Broccoli Potato Soup, follow these modifications:

• Replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce the carb content.
• Use heavy cream instead of milk for a creamier texture and lower carb count.
• Omit the optional toppings or use keto-friendly toppings such as shredded cheese and crispy bacon.

Broccoli Potato Soup is a versatile and comforting dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner or a cozy meal to warm you up on a cold day, this soup fits the bill. With its creamy texture, hearty vegetables, and delicious flavor, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. So gather your ingredients, grab a pot, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of homemade Broccoli Potato Soup!