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Cozy Garlic Italian Broccoli Soup

garlic italian broccoli soup - featured image

A comforting and easy-to-make broccoli soup featuring roasted garlic and Italian herbs, perfect for cozy nights and quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head broccoli (about 500g / 1 lb), chopped into florets
  • 6 large garlic cloves, peeled and lightly crushed
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • A pinch of nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss broccoli florets and garlic cloves with 2 tablespoons olive oil, a pinch of salt, and half the Italian seasoning. Spread evenly on a baking sheet.
  2. Roast broccoli and garlic for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until broccoli is tender and slightly caramelized and garlic is soft and mellow.
  3. While roasting, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and a pinch of salt, cooking for 5-7 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  4. Stir in remaining Italian seasoning and a pinch of nutmeg; cook for 30 seconds to toast the herbs.
  5. Pour in vegetable broth and add roasted broccoli and garlic (including any tasty bits from the pan). Bring to a gentle simmer for 10 minutes.
  6. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth but still slightly chunky. Alternatively, blend in batches in a countertop blender and return to pot.
  7. Stir in fresh lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste.
  8. Simmer gently for another 5 minutes, avoiding boiling to prevent cheese curdling.
  9. Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and drizzle with a little olive oil if desired.

Notes

Do not over-blend the soup to retain a rustic texture. If soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or water before serving. For a dairy-free version, omit Parmesan or use a vegan alternative and add coconut or almond milk for creaminess. Roasting garlic mellows its sharpness and adds depth of flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli soup, garlic soup, Italian soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, roasted garlic, healthy soup, vegetarian soup, gluten-free soup