Toasted pine nuts are the perfect garnish for this traditional broccoli cream soup.
INGREDIENTS (for 8 servings):
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds broccoli - stems peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks, remaining broccoli cut into medium florets
- 1 large onion, cut into large dice
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 pinch sugar
- 3 large garlic cloves, thickly sliced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon basil
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3 cups chicken broth, homemade or from a carton or can
- 1 1/2 cups half-and-half (or whole milk)
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- Garnish: toasted pine nuts*
PREPARATION:
Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large, deep saute pan until shimmering.
Add broccoli, then onion; saute, stirring very little at first, then more frequently, until vegetables start to turn golden brown, 7 to 8 minutes.
Reduce heat to low and add butter, sugar and garlic; continue cooking until all vegetables are a rich spotty caramel color, about 10 minutes longer.
Add mustard, basil, oregano, and cayenne pepper; continue to saute until fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute longer.
Add broth; bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered, until broccoli is tender, about 10 minutes.
Using an immersion blender or traditional blender, puree until very smooth, 30 seconds to 1 minute. (If using a traditional blender, vent it either by removing the lid's pop-out center or by lifting one edge of the lid. Drape the blender canister with a kitchen towel. To 'clean' the canister, pour in a little half-and-half, blend briefly, then add to the soup.)
Return to pan (or a soup pot); add enough half-and-half so the mixture is souplike, yet thick enough to float garnish. Taste, and add salt and pepper if needed. Heat through, ladle into bowls, garnish and serve.
*To toast, heat a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add nuts; stir and shake pan until nuts are fragrant and golden.
This recipe was originally featured in the USA WEEKEND article One Formula Makes 10 Full-flavored Vegetable Soups on October 24, 2004.
Find the Perfect Recipe from Pam Anderson.
Copyright 2004 USA WEEKEND and columnist Pam Anderson. All rights reserved.