Warm up with homemade Broccoli Soup #GardenCuizine

Broccoli Soup

Afraid to make your own from scratch soup? If you're planning on using an instant broccoli soup packet mix, may I make a suggestion? To prevent sodium overload, only use 3 tablespoons rather than the entire packet as the directions often call for. Don't worry, your broccoli soup will still taste delicious! Broccoli soup is a nutritious beginners soup that can be easily made without using soup mix. 
 
Ingredients
2-3 cups chopped Broccoli: reserve 5-7 small florets
4 cups low fat milk
1 potato, peeled and chopped
1 tablespoon butter (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup onion, chopped
2 teaspoons minced garlic
pinch thyme (dried or fresh)

• 1/2 cup low fat shredded cheddar cheese and sea salt to taste
• OR 3 tablespoons* instant broccoli cheddar cheese soup mix

*Note: often times instant soup packets call for using the entire packet which would be far too much sodium per serving (often greater than 1,200 mg sodium) and not necessary. Do not use the entire soup mix packet! Instead, try using just 3 tablespoons to provide plenty of flavor. Taste and see for yourself. You can always add more. 

You decide if you want to add soup mix or not. Instant soup mixes often contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils such as palm kernel and cottonseed oils, as well as flavor enhancers (disodium guanylate), corn syrup solids and artificial colors.

Serves 3-4

Putting it all together

• Saute onion in oil/butter blend. 
• Add garlic and saute until the onion is transparent. 
• Stir in the thyme, chopped broccoli and potato. 
• Pour in the milk. Bring to boil, reduce heat to simmer. Cover and simmer until the veggies are soft, stirring occasionally.
• Using an immersion blender, pulse the soup to a puree texture directly in the soup pot. 
• Stir in the reserved broccoli florets and cheese (or soup mix). Cover and simmer until florets are tender.
• Serve and enjoy with toasted whole grain bread. 

Photo and blog post Copyright (C)2013 Wind. All rights reserved.