In the world of comfort food, few dishes can rival the creamy, satisfying appeal of a well-made broccoli cheese soup. Traditionally laden with dairy, this classic has long been off-limits for those following a vegan diet or looking to reduce their consumption of animal products. But fear not! With the right ingredients and techniques, it’s possible to create a vegan version that’s every bit as delicious and comforting as the original – and perhaps even healthier.
The Appeal of Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore why this vegan twist on a classic is worth trying:
- Plant-Based Nutrition: By using only plant-based ingredients, this soup packs in nutrients without cholesterol or animal fats.
- Allergy-Friendly: This recipe is naturally dairy-free and can be easily adapted to be gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
- Eco-Friendly: Plant-based meals generally have a lower environmental impact than those containing animal products.
- Comfort Without Guilt: Enjoy the comforting flavors and textures you love, knowing you’re nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients.
Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter – our delicious recipe for Cheesy Vegan Broccoli Soup.
The Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 4-6):
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 4 cups broccoli florets (about 2 medium heads)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked for at least 2 hours
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (for color)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup vegan cheese shreds for topping
Instructions:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the diced carrots and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add the broccoli florets and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
- While the soup is simmering, drain the soaked cashews and place them in a high-speed blender. Add 1 cup of the hot vegetable broth from the pot, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and turmeric. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
- Once the broccoli is tender, remove about 1 cup of the broccoli florets and set aside.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the remaining soup in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches to puree.
- Stir the cashew cream mixture into the pureed soup. Add the reserved broccoli florets back to the pot.
- Heat the soup gently, stirring frequently, until it’s hot throughout. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, topped with vegan cheese shreds if desired.
@skinnytaste
The Science of Vegan Cheese Flavor
Creating a convincing “cheesy” flavor without dairy is all about understanding the components that make cheese taste like cheese:
- Umami: Nutritional yeast provides a savory, umami flavor similar to cheese.
- Tanginess: Lemon juice adds a slight tang reminiscent of aged cheeses.
- Creaminess: Blended cashews create a rich, creamy base that mimics the mouthfeel of dairy.
- Color: Turmeric gives the soup a golden hue similar to cheddar-based soups.
- Depth: Smoked paprika adds complexity and depth to the flavor profile.
Nutritional Breakdown
This vegan broccoli cheese soup isn’t just delicious – it’s packed with nutrients:
- Broccoli: Rich in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, and potassium.
- Cashews: Provide healthy fats, protein, and minerals like magnesium and zinc.
- Nutritional Yeast: A complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids, plus B-vitamins.
- Carrots: Excellent source of beta-carotene, fiber, vitamin K1, potassium, and antioxidants.
- Olive Oil: Contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.
Tips for Perfect Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup
To elevate your soup game, consider these helpful tips:
- Soak Your Cashews: For the creamiest results, soak cashews in water for at least 2 hours, or overnight in the refrigerator. In a pinch, you can also boil them for 10 minutes to soften.
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Simmer just until tender to preserve the bright green color and nutritional value.
- Blend in Batches: If using a standard blender, never fill it more than halfway with hot liquid to avoid accidents.
- Adjust the Consistency: If the soup is too thick, thin it with additional vegetable broth. If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce.
- Taste and Adjust: Everyone’s palate is different. Don’t be afraid to add more nutritional yeast for cheesiness, lemon for tang, or salt and pepper to taste.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
While this soup is a meal in itself, you might consider serving it with:
- Crusty whole-grain bread or homemade croutons
- A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette
- Roasted chickpeas for added protein and crunch
- A sprinkle of vegan bacon bits or coconut bacon
Variations to Explore
One of the joys of cooking is the ability to adapt recipes to your tastes. Here are some variations to consider:
- Loaded Broccoli Soup: Top with vegan bacon bits, vegan cheese shreds, and chopped chives.
- Broccoli Cauliflower Soup: Replace half the broccoli with cauliflower for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño with the onions or a dash of hot sauce at the end.
- Nut-Free Version: Replace cashews with silken tofu or white beans for creaminess.
- Extra Green: Add a handful of spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking.
@cookingmadehealthy
Storage and Reheating
This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it perfect for meal prep. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened, you may need to add a splash of vegetable broth or water when reheating.
Note that this soup is not ideal for freezing, as the texture of the broccoli may change upon thawing.
Conclusion
Cheesy Vegan Broccoli Soup proves that comfort food can indeed be made healthy with plant-based ingredients. This recipe delivers all the creamy, satisfying goodness of the classic version, with the added benefits of being dairy-free, nutrient-dense, and environmentally friendly.
Remember, cooking is as much about creativity as it is about following recipes. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables, seasonings, or toppings. The beauty of this soup lies in its adaptability – it’s a canvas for your culinary imagination.
