Italian Broccoli Soup
Savor the comforting and wholesome flavors of Italian Broccoli Soup, a simple yet delightful dish that brings together the freshness of broccoli with the rich undertones of garlic and Parmesan cheese.
This soup features tender broccoli florets and stems simmered in a flavorful broth, enhanced by the subtle warmth of nutmeg and the satisfying bite of orzo or ditalini pasta. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch or a cozy dinner, this Italian Broccoli Soup is perfect for those seeking a nourishing and delicious meal that celebrates the vibrant taste of fresh vegetables.
The addition of extra virgin olive oil and freshly grated Parmesan elevates this humble soup to a new level of culinary pleasure.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Italian Broccoli Soup is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that is sure to win over anyone who tries it. Here are a few reasons why people will love this recipe:
Nutrient-Rich and Wholesome: Packed with fresh broccoli, this soup is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It provides a nutritious option for those looking to enjoy a healthy yet satisfying meal.
Flavorful and Aromatic: The combination of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of nutmeg creates a rich and aromatic broth that enhances the natural flavors of the broccoli, offering a comforting and savory experience.
Versatile and Adaptable: This soup is easily customizable, allowing you to adjust the level of seasoning or add your favorite herbs and spices. You can also experiment with different types of pasta to suit your taste.
Simple and Quick to Prepare: With straightforward instructions and minimal ingredients, this recipe is accessible to cooks of all levels. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious homemade meal without the fuss.
Comforting and Satisfying: The combination of tender broccoli, pasta, and a creamy broth topped with Parmesan cheese provides a comforting, hearty dish that warms the soul and satisfies the appetite.
Key Ingredients:
Broccoli: The star of the dish, broccoli provides a vibrant color and a wealth of nutrients, including vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. Both the stems and florets are used, offering a range of textures and flavors.
Chicken Broth: This serves as the flavorful base of the soup, infusing the dish with a savory depth. For a vegetarian option, vegetable broth can be used as an alternative, providing a lighter but equally delicious foundation.
Garlic: Smashed garlic cloves add an aromatic richness and a subtle pungency to the soup, enhancing the overall flavor profile and complementing the broccoli beautifully.
Orzo or Ditalini Pasta: These small pasta shapes add heartiness and texture to the soup, making it more filling and satisfying. Their size allows them to blend seamlessly into the broth without overpowering the other ingredients.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan serves as both a garnish and a flavor enhancer, adding a nutty, umami-rich note that elevates the soup to a new level of deliciousness.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil adds a touch of richness and a silky finish, enhancing the soup’s overall mouthfeel and flavor.
Italian Broccoli Soup
Ingredients:
1 pound broccoli, cut into stems and florets
4 cups chicken broth (can substitute vegetable broth or all water)
2 cups water
3–4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Fresh black pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
3/4 cup orzo or ditalini pasta
Grated parmesan cheese for garnish
Extra virgin olive oil for garnish
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Instructions:
1. Cook the Broccoli:
Place the broccoli, including both stems and florets, into a large soup pot or Dutch oven.
Add the chicken broth, water, smashed garlic cloves, kosher salt, and black pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes with the lid on.
2. Mash the Broccoli:
Use a potato masher to gently smash the broccoli, or utilize an immersion blender for a more controlled texture, leaving some larger and smaller pieces for added texture.
3. Cook the Pasta:
Stir in the orzo or ditalini pasta.
Cook the soup uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot, until the pasta reaches the desired tenderness.
4. Season and Serve:
Add the ground nutmeg, if using, and taste the soup to adjust the seasonings if necessary.
Serve the soup hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, along with additional freshly ground black pepper if desired.
Notes:
Broccoli Preparation: Be sure to use both the stems and florets of the broccoli for a variety of textures. Peel the tougher outer layer of the stems to ensure they cook evenly and become tender.
Broth Selection: While the recipe calls for chicken broth, you can easily substitute it with vegetable broth or even use all water for a lighter and vegetarian-friendly version. The broth choice will slightly alter the flavor profile, so adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Immersion Blending: If you prefer a smoother texture, an immersion blender is a great tool to achieve this. However, leaving some chunks of broccoli adds a delightful texture and visual appeal to the soup.
Pasta Cooking: Stir the pasta frequently while it cooks to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Be mindful of the cooking time, as overcooking can result in mushy pasta.
Seasoning Adjustments: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, and nutmeg according to your preference. A light hand with the nutmeg can add warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
Garnishing Tips: For an extra touch of flavor, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving. You can also add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for additional color and freshness.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1
Calories: 180 | Protein: 8grams | Fat: 6 grams | Saturated Fat: 2 grams | Carbohydrates: 25 grams | Dietary Fiber: 4 grams | Sugars: 2 grams | Cholesterol: 5 milligrams | Sodium: 600 milligrams
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli if fresh is not available.
Simply adjust the cooking time slightly, as frozen broccoli may cook faster.
Add the frozen broccoli directly to the pot without thawing, and proceed with the recipe as usual.
What can I substitute for orzo or ditalini pasta?
If you don’t have orzo or ditalini pasta on hand, you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe, pastina, or small elbow macaroni.
Ensure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.
How can I make this soup vegan?
To make the soup vegan, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth or water.
Omit the Parmesan cheese, or use a vegan Parmesan alternative.
Ensure that any additional garnishes, like olive oil, are also vegan-friendly.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
The flavors often deepen with time.
If the pasta absorbs too much liquid, you can add more broth or water when reheating to reach your desired consistency.
How can I add more flavor to the soup?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of white wine to brighten the soup.
Fresh herbs like basil or dill can also add a fresh note.
Additionally, a pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a subtle heat for those who enjoy a bit of spice.
How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy in the soup?
To prevent the pasta from becoming mushy, cook it just until al dente, as it will continue to soften in the hot soup.
Stir the pasta frequently while cooking to avoid sticking, and consider cooking it separately, then adding it to the soup just before serving.
Can I use a blender to puree the soup instead of mashing?
Yes, you can use a blender to puree the soup if you prefer a smoother texture.
However, be cautious not to over-blend, as leaving some chunks of broccoli adds a pleasant texture.
If using a countertop blender, allow the soup to cool slightly before blending to prevent steam buildup.
What can I do if the soup is too thick or too thin?
If the soup is too thick, gradually add more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
Conversely, if the soup is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate, or blend a portion of the soup to thicken it naturally.
How do I adjust the seasoning to taste?
After cooking, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Add more salt or pepper to enhance the flavors, and consider adding a touch more garlic or herbs if desired.
Remember, a little Parmesan cheese or a squeeze of lemon can also boost the overall flavor profile.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Yes, this soup is versatile and can accommodate additional vegetables.
Consider adding spinach, kale, or peas for added nutrition and color.
Adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose, ensuring they are cooked to your desired tenderness.