Discover a deliciously healthy way to enjoy your greens with this creamy cashew broccoli soup. This recipe offers a comforting and nutritious meal, perfect for a light lunch or a cozy dinner, and is a fantastic addition to your collection of Healthy Broccoli Recipes. You’ll love how easy it is to make this vibrant and satisfying soup.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are best for flavor and texture. You can use frozen broccoli, but it might alter the final texture slightly.
- Raw Cashews: These create the creamy base. Ensure they are unsalted and unroasted. Almonds can work as a substitute, but the flavor will be different.
- Vegetable Broth: Low-sodium is recommended to control salt levels.
- Nutritional Yeast: Adds a cheesy, umami flavor. If you don’t have it, you can omit it, but the depth of flavor will be reduced.
- Onion & Garlic: Essential for building a savory base.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 cups broccoli florets (from about 1.5 lbs fresh broccoli)
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 15-30 minutes and drained
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes
- Toasted sunflower seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: Approximately 320 calories
- Tools Needed: Large pot or Dutch oven, high-speed blender
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Simmer the Broccoli
Add the broccoli florets and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until the broccoli is tender, about 10-12 minutes.
3. Blend Until Creamy
Carefully transfer the soup mixture to a high-speed blender. Add the soaked and drained cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. You may need to do this in batches if your blender is small.
4. Adjust and Serve
Return the blended soup to the pot to reheat gently over low heat, if needed. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings.
Variation Ideas
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the end of blending for extra greens.
- Top with croutons or roasted chickpeas for added texture.
- For a touch of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper during blending.
Storage Instructions
You can store leftover creamy cashew broccoli soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave. If the soup is too thick, you can add a splash of vegetable broth or water to thin it out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this soup without a high-speed blender?
A regular blender will work, but you might need to blend for a longer time and potentially strain the soup for a super smooth consistency.
Do I have to soak the cashews?
Soaking the cashews helps them blend into a much smoother, creamier texture. If you’re short on time, you can boil them for 10 minutes instead.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely! You can use frozen broccoli, just add it directly to the pot with the broth and cook until tender.
What can I use instead of nutritional yeast?
Nutritional yeast adds a unique savory, cheesy depth. There isn’t a direct substitute that provides the exact flavor, but you can simply omit it if you don’t have it.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this creamy cashew broccoli soup recipe is naturally gluten-free.
