As winter tightens its grip, the quest for warm, comforting, and nutritious meals intensifies. If you're struggling to get your family, especially kids, to eat their greens, we have a delicious solution that turns the often-avoided broccoli into a creamy, irresistible delight. Introducing a simple yet luxurious Creamy Broccoli and Almond Soup, a perfect dish for a light and wholesome dinner.
Why This Soup is a Nutritional Powerhouse
This soup isn't just about taste; it's a bowl full of health. Broccoli, a cruciferous vegetable, is loaded with vitamin C for immunity and vitamin K for bone health. It's also an excellent source of fibre, promoting good digestive health. Notably, a study published by the National Library of Medicine highlights its cardiovascular benefits. A Phase 1 clinical trial found that consuming 100 grams of fresh broccoli sprouts daily for a week provided measurable advantages for heart health.
Complementing the broccoli are almonds, which bring their own set of benefits to the table. Almonds are rich in healthy fats, protein, vitamin E, and magnesium. This nutrient profile supports heart health and provides sustained energy, making this soup both satisfying and beneficial.
Ingredients You Will Need
Gathering the ingredients for this wholesome soup is straightforward. You will need:
- 1 medium broccoli head
- 10–12 almonds
- 1 small onion
- 2–3 garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cups vegetable stock
- ½ cup milk
- Salt to taste
- 1 tsp black pepper
- A pinch of nutmeg
- Almond slivers for garnish
Step-by-Step Guide to Your Creamy Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Almonds
Start by soaking the almonds in warm water for about 20 minutes. This softens them, making it easy to peel off the skin. Once peeled, they will blend into a smoother paste.
Step 2: Make Almond Paste
Take the peeled almonds and blend them with a little water until you achieve a smooth, creamy paste. Set this paste aside for later.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil and butter in a deep pan. Add the finely chopped onions and garlic. Sauté them until they become soft and release a fragrant aroma, forming the flavour base of your soup.
Step 4: Cook the Broccoli
Add the chopped broccoli florets to the pan and sauté for 2–3 minutes. Then, pour in the vegetable stock, cover the pan, and let it cook for 8–10 minutes. The broccoli should turn tender and easily pierceable with a fork.
Step 5: Blend to Creaminess
Allow the cooked broccoli mixture to cool down slightly. Then, transfer it to a blender and blend until the texture is completely smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Combine and Simmer
Pour the smooth broccoli puree back into the same pan. Now, add the prepared almond paste and the milk. Give everything a good stir and let the soup simmer on low heat for 3–5 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld together beautifully.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Finally, season your creamy broccoli and almond soup with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. You can adjust the consistency by adding a little more stock or milk if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with almond slivers and a light drizzle of olive oil. Serve hot with soup sticks or croutons for a complete, comforting winter meal.
This easy broccoli and almond soup recipe proves that healthy food can be incredibly delicious and simple to prepare. It's a wonderful way to embrace seasonal produce and ensure your family gets a nourishing, immune-boosting meal during the colder months.
