Description

This Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup is a rich and creamy comforting soup that combines tender broccoli with the smoky, nutty flavor of Gouda cheese. Perfect for a cozy meal, it features a smooth blend of sautéed onions, garlic, and fresh broccoli simmered in broth, enriched with cream and milk, and finished with melted smoked Gouda cheese. Garnished with crunchy croutons or extra cheese, this soup makes a delightful starter or light main course.

Ingredients

Scale

Sauté Base

2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced

Main Ingredients

4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
3 cups chicken or vegetable broth

Dairy & Seasonings

1 cup heavy cream
1 cup milk
2 cups smoked Gouda cheese, shredded
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnish

Croutons or extra cheese, for garnish

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Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and softened, about 3-5 minutes.
Cook Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets and broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, until the broccoli is tender.
Puree Soup: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and puree until smooth, then return to the pot.
Add Dairy and Seasonings: Stir in the heavy cream, milk, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the soup on low heat for an additional 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
Melt Cheese: Gradually add the shredded smoked Gouda cheese to the pot, stirring continuously until fully melted and creamy.
Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with croutons or extra cheese if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

You can use either fresh or frozen broccoli florets; frozen broccoli may require slightly longer cooking time.
For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Adjust the thickness by reducing or increasing the milk and cream quantities according to preference.
If you do not have an immersion blender, transfer the soup carefully to a blender in batches and blend until smooth.
Smoked Gouda can be substituted with regular Gouda or another smoked cheese if preferred.