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If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and packed with bold flavors, then this Broccoli and Stilton Soup Recipe is about to become your new kitchen favorite. It marries the vibrant green freshness of broccoli with the unmistakable sharp creaminess of Stilton cheese, creating a velvety soup that feels luxurious yet wonderfully simple. Whether you’re warming up on a chilly evening or looking for a nourishing lunch, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of nutrition, texture, and rich taste that invites you back for seconds (and maybe thirds!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Broccoli and Stilton Soup Recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the olive oil that gently sautés the aromatics to the Stilton cheese that adds the soup’s signature tangy richness.
- Olive oil: Provides a smooth base for sautéing and adds a subtle fruity sweetness.
- Large onion, chopped: Builds a savory foundation with its natural sweetness and depth.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Gives a warm, aromatic lift that complements the cheese beautifully.
- Medium potato, peeled and diced: Helps thicken the soup, creating that silky, satisfying texture.
- Vegetable broth (or chicken broth): Adds moisture and an underlying savory flavor that ties everything together.
- Large head of broccoli, chopped into florets: The star of the show, bringing vibrant color, freshness, and nutrition.
- Stilton cheese, crumbled: Lends a tangy, creamy punch that transforms simple soup into something extraordinary.
- Whole milk or cream (optional): For those who love a richer, creamier consistency, this makes all the difference.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Enhances and balances all the flavors with just the right amount of seasoning.
- Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish: Adds a pop of color and a bright herbal note to finish.
How to Make Broccoli and Stilton Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté them gently for 5 to 7 minutes until the onion turns soft and translucent. This step is where the soup builds its comforting savory base, so don’t rush it—the gentle caramelization enhances the flavor profoundly.
Step 2: Add the Potato
Next, toss the diced potato into the pot and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. The potato not only contributes creaminess but also subtly sweetens the soup as it cooks, marrying beautifully with the sharp Stilton later on.
Step 3: Incorporate the Broccoli
Now it’s time to add those vibrant green broccoli florets. Stir them gently into the pot, ensuring they mingle well with the potato and onion. This is where your soup begins to take on its signature fresh flavor and lovely color.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a lively boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let the soup cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the potatoes are soft. This long simmer helps the flavors meld and prepares the vegetables perfectly for blending.
Step 5: Blend to Creamy Bliss
Once everything is tender, use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and puree until silky smooth. This creates that irresistibly creamy texture without needing heavy cream.
Step 6: Add the Stilton Cheese
Return the soup to low heat and stir in the crumbled Stilton cheese. Watch as it melts beautifully into the warm soup, lending a tangy richness that elevates every spoonful. If the soup feels a bit too thick, gradually stir in milk or cream to reach your desired consistency.
Step 7: Season and Final Touches
Give your soup a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. This final seasoning step is key to balancing the bold flavors of the Stilton and the gentle sweetness of the vegetables.
Step 8: Serve Hot and Garnished
For the perfect finishing touch, ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives. This not only adds color but also a fresh, herbal brightness that pairs beautifully with the creamy soup.
How to Serve Broccoli and Stilton Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or chives are classic choices that add a burst of freshness and a pretty pop of color. If you’re feeling adventurous, a small drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a few toasted pumpkin seeds brings delightful texture contrast and a hint of nuttiness.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm, buttery rolls to sop up every creamy bite. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a mixed green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette, which cuts through the richness of the Stilton.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Broccoli and Stilton Soup Recipe in rustic bowls for a cozy feel or in elegant white soup plates for a more sophisticated presentation. Add a dollop of crème fraîche or a sprinkle of extra crumbled Stilton on top for that extra wow factor. For casual entertaining, mini portion cups make for perfect soup shooters that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen after sitting, making it taste even better the next day. Just be sure to give it a good stir before reheating.
Freezing
This Broccoli and Stilton Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat the soup slowly over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or separation. If it looks too thick after reheating, stir in a splash of milk or broth to restore that perfect creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese if I don’t have Stilton?
Absolutely! While Stilton gives the soup its unique tangy flavor, you can substitute with other blue cheeses like Roquefort or Gorgonzola, or even a sharp cheddar for a milder yet still delicious twist.
Is there a way to make this soup vegan?
To make this soup vegan, simply swap the Stilton for a plant-based blue cheese alternative or omit it altogether. Use vegetable broth and replace milk or cream with coconut milk or any other non-dairy milk.
What if I prefer a chunkier soup?
If you like your soup with some texture, blend only half of it smooth and stir the rest of the cooked broccoli and potato pieces back in. This way, you get the creaminess plus a bit of bite in every spoonful.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works fine and is a great time-saver. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as frozen broccoli may cook slightly faster.
How do I know when the soup is ready to add Stilton?
The soup is ready once the broccoli and potato are very tender, after about 15-20 minutes of simmering. At that point, you can blend the soup smooth and then add the Stilton to melt in for maximum flavor impact.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli and Stilton Soup Recipe is a genuine crowd-pleaser that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. It’s simple enough for weeknight dinners but special enough to impress guests. Give it a try—you may just discover a new classic that warms your heart and delights your taste buds every time.
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Broccoli and Stilton Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
Description
This Broccoli and Stilton Soup is a comforting and creamy blend of tender broccoli, savory Stilton cheese, and potatoes, creating a rich flavor perfect for a cozy meal. Easy to prepare on the stovetop, this soup can be enjoyed with or without a splash of cream for a luxurious texture, garnished with fresh herbs for an added touch of freshness.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 4 cups (1 liter) vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 large head of broccoli, chopped into florets
- ½ cup (120g) Stilton cheese, crumbled (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk or cream (optional, for a creamier texture)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add the Potato and Broccoli: Add the diced potato to the pot and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the Broccoli Florets: Add the broccoli florets to the pot, stirring to combine.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the potato is soft.
- Blend the Soup: Once the vegetables are cooked, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender to puree it.
- Add the Stilton: Return the soup to the heat and stir in the crumbled Stilton cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts into the soup and it becomes creamy. If the soup is too thick, add milk or cream to achieve your desired consistency.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of Stilton cheese to your taste preference; more cheese will make the soup stronger in flavor.
- For a vegan version, substitute the Stilton with a vegan blue cheese alternative and use soy or almond milk instead of cream.
- If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half the soup and leave the rest with small vegetable pieces.
- This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave to avoid curdling the cheese.
