A creamy and delicious broccoli soup that's perfect for a cozy meal. This comforting recipe is versatile and easy to make, bringing out the rich flavors of fresh broccoli in a smooth, velvety soup.
Chefadora AI has the answer - timers, swaps, step-by-step help.
In a saucepan, melt the butter. Add the flour and stir quickly.
Gradually pour in the hot milk, whisking continuously.
Dilute the cornstarch in a little water and add it to the mixture.
Continue stirring over low heat until the sauce thickens.
Season with salt and nutmeg. Set aside.
Wash and separate the broccoli sprigs, setting the stems aside.
Blanch the sprigs in boiling water for 5 minutes, drain, and set aside.
In the same water used for blanching, cook the chopped stems until tender.
Remove, strain, and blend with one cup of the cooking water and the prepared white sauce until smooth.
Lightly fry the reserved broccoli sprigs in a bit of lard or butter.
In a saucepan, combine the blended cream of broccoli and white sauce.
Add the fried broccoli sprigs and cook everything over low heat for 5 minutes.
Serve the creamy broccoli hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Don't overcook the broccoli**.** Blanching for just 5 minutes keeps it vibrant and slightly crisp.
Use a high-speed blender or strain the broccoli-white sauce mixture for a creamier finish.
Can I use store-bought white sauce instead of making it from scratch?
Yes, you can substitute with store-bought white sauce (béchamel), but homemade gives you more control over thickness and flavor.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare it a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven before serving.
Is it necessary to fry the broccoli sprigs?
Frying adds extra flavor and texture, but you can skip this step if you prefer a lighter or lower-fat version.
Can I use other types of cheese instead of Parmesan?
Absolutely. Cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère work well and melt smoothly, but keep in mind it may alter the flavor profile.
How do I prevent the white sauce from becoming lumpy?
Whisk constantly while adding the hot milk slowly. Also, make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved in cold water before adding it to the sauce.
