Name: Vegan Broccoli Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling; 1 small yellow onion, diced; ½ cup chopped celery; ⅓ cup chopped carrots; 1 pound broccoli, stems diced, florets chopped; ¾ teaspoon sea salt; Freshly ground black pepper; 1 small Yukon Gold potato, diced (1 cup); 4 garlic cloves, minced; 4 cups vegetable broth; 3 cups cubed bread, for croutons; ½ cup raw cashews; 1½ teaspoons apple cider vinegar; ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard; ¼ cup fresh dill; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

why make this recipe

Vegan Broccoli Soup is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a healthy and comforting meal. It’s packed with nutrients, thanks to the broccoli and other vegetables. This soup is not only full of flavor but also vegan and dairy-free, making it perfect for a variety of diets. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be ready in less than an hour. The creamy texture, boosted by cashews, gives you the satisfaction of a hearty soup without any animal products.

how to make Vegan Broccoli Soup

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 small yellow onion, diced
½ cup chopped celery
⅓ cup chopped carrots
1 pound broccoli, stems diced, florets chopped
¾ teaspoon sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 small Yukon Gold potato, diced (1 cup)
4 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
3 cups cubed bread, for croutons
½ cup raw cashews
1½ teaspoons apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
¼ cup fresh dill
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line 2 small baking sheets with parchment paper.
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, carrots, broccoli stems, salt, and several grinds of pepper. Sauté until softened, about 10 minutes.
Add the potatoes and garlic, then stir. Add the vegetable broth and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft. Let cool slightly.
Set aside 1 cup of the broccoli florets to roast as a topping for the soup. Place the remaining florets in a steamer basket, set over a pot filled with 1 inch of water. Cover and steam for 5 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
Meanwhile, place the reserved broccoli florets and the bread cubes on the baking sheets. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Roast until the bread is crispy and the broccoli is tender and browned around the edges, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Transfer the soup to a blender. Add the cashews, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Blend until creamy, working in batches if needed.
Add the steamed broccoli florets, dill, and lemon juice to the blender. Pulse until the broccoli is mixed in but still chunky. If the soup is too thick, add ½ cup of water to thin it to your liking.
Season to taste and serve hot. Top with roasted broccoli and croutons.

how to serve Vegan Broccoli Soup

Serve Vegan Broccoli Soup in bowls, topped with the roasted broccoli florets and croutons for added crunch. You can drizzle a little extra olive oil on top for extra flavor. Enjoy it with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal.

how to store Vegan Broccoli Soup

You can store leftover Vegan Broccoli Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the soup. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

tips to make Vegan Broccoli Soup

For a creamier texture, blend the soup longer.
Adjust the thickness by adding more or less water after blending.
Use fresh herbs or spices to enhance the flavor. Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
If you don’t have cashews, you can substitute with soaked raw almonds or coconut cream for a different flavor.

variation

You can customize your Vegan Broccoli Soup by adding other vegetables, like spinach or kale, or using different herbs such as parsley or thyme. For a spicier version, add some jalapeño or serve with a sprinkle of chili powder.

FAQs

Can I make this soup without cashews?
Yes, you can leave out the cashews or use another creamy ingredient like coconut milk, but it will change the flavor.

Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, it can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free bread for the croutons.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just steam it until tender before adding it to the soup.