If you are craving a soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Broccoli Feta Soup Recipe will quickly become your go-to comfort food. It’s a vibrant and creamy blend that brings together the bright, fresh flavor of broccoli and the tangy creaminess of feta cheese, all in a velvety smooth broth. Whether you want a quick lunch, a cozy dinner, or an impressive yet simple dish to share with friends, this soup hits all the right notes with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential—they create layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this soup shine. Each one plays a distinct role, from the aromatic garlic to the creamy feta, coming together harmoniously in this beloved Broccoli Feta Soup Recipe.
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets: The star of the dish, bringing vibrant green color and earthy freshness.
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese: Adds a tangy, salty depth that melts into creamy goodness.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic base when sautéed.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with fragrant warmth that complements the broccoli perfectly.
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth: The flavorful liquid foundation that carries all the ingredients.
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half): For richness and a silky texture that rounds out the soup.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Used for sautéing to add a gentle fruity note and help soften the aromatics.
How to Make Broccoli Feta Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and garlic, cooking them gently until they turn translucent and fragrant—this usually takes about five minutes. This step brings out their natural sweetness and creates a flavor base that’s essential for a rich soup.
Step 2: Cook the Broccoli
Next, add the fresh broccoli florets to the pot. Stir everything together for a couple of minutes to let the broccoli soak up the flavors of the garlic and onions. This brief sautéing also starts breaking down the broccoli slightly, which helps it cook evenly once the broth is added.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Simmer
Pour in your choice of low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the broccoli is tender and tender enough for blending. This simmer releases the vegetable’s flavors into the broth, resulting in a deeply flavorful soup base.
Step 4: Blend Until Smooth
Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup directly in the pot until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. If you prefer a bit more texture, you can pulse it a few times to leave small broccoli bits for added bite. This step transforms the chunky goodness into a luscious, velvety soup.
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Feta
Lower the heat and gently fold in the heavy cream and crumbled feta cheese. Let them warm through without boiling, allowing the feta to melt beautifully into the soup. This mixture brings a subtle tang and creaminess that elevates the whole dish to another level of deliciousness.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Finally, taste and season with salt and pepper as you like. Serve the soup hot, making sure to spoon it generously into bowls that invite you to savor every bite. This is where the magic happens—the perfect union of fresh broccoli flavor and tangy feta in a luxuriously creamy broth.
How to Serve Broccoli Feta Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the presentation and flavor by topping your soup with a sprinkle of extra crumbled feta, a drizzle of olive oil, or a few toasted pine nuts for crunch. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley add a pop of green and brighten the soup’s rich flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread or warm garlic naan to scoop up all that creamy goodness. A crisp side salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing counterpoint, making for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve the Broccoli Feta Soup Recipe in small cups or shot glasses as an elegant appetizer. You can also swirl in a bit of pesto or serve it over cooked grains like quinoa or rice for a hearty bowl that doubles as a main course.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftover soup to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen, so reheating it brings back all the warmth and charm of when it was fresh.
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully. Pack it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. It will keep well for up to three months, making it a fantastic prepared meal to pull out on a chilly day.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and warm it gently on the stove over low heat. Stir frequently to prevent separation and add a splash of broth or cream if the texture thickens too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well in this Broccoli Feta Soup Recipe and is a convenient substitute. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure it becomes tender without overcooking.
Is there a vegan alternative to feta cheese?
Yes, you can swap out traditional feta for vegan feta or even add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Using coconut or cashew cream instead of heavy cream will keep the soup vegan-friendly.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely. Sauté the onions and garlic first, then add all ingredients except cream and feta to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours, then blend and stir in the cream and feta before serving.
What other cheeses pair well with broccoli in soup?
Aside from feta, sharp cheddar, goat cheese, or Parmesan are excellent choices that complement broccoli’s earthy taste while adding depth and richness.
How thick should the soup be?
The consistency is up to you; some like it thick and creamy, while others prefer it a bit lighter. Use the immersion blender to achieve your favorite texture and add broth or cream to adjust thickness as needed.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a soup that can be both wholesome and indulgent, and this Broccoli Feta Soup Recipe delivers that balance perfectly. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and ideal for any day you want a comforting, nutritious meal. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience how this simple soup can become one of your favorites too!
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Broccoli Feta Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This creamy Broccoli Feta Soup is a deliciously comforting blend of fresh broccoli florets, tangy feta cheese, and aromatic garlic and onions. Perfect for a quick and nutritious meal, this soup combines the freshness of vegetables with the rich creaminess of feta and cream, all prepared on the stovetop in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
Liquids & Oils
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This step builds the flavor base for the soup.
- Add Broccoli: Stir in the fresh broccoli florets and cook for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and the broccoli to begin softening.
- Simmer Soup: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for approximately 10 minutes, until the broccoli is tender and cooked through.
- Blend Soup: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth or to your desired consistency. This step creates a creamy texture without lumps.
- Finish Soup: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and crumbled feta cheese. Warm the soup gently until the cheese has melted and everything is heated through, being careful not to boil.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Use low-sodium broth to better control the salt level, especially since feta cheese adds saltiness.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
- The soup can be garnished with additional crumbled feta, a drizzle of olive oil, or toasted bread for added texture.
- To make it vegan, replace broth with vegetable broth, omit feta, and use a plant-based cream alternative.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
