Broccoli and Stilton Soup Recipe

Broccoli: Fresh broccoli cut into florets, providing the main vegetable base for the soup.

Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed.

Garlic: Enhances the overall taste with its aromatic and pungent qualities.

Vegetable stock: The liquid base that helps cook the broccoli and blend the flavors together.

Stilton cheese: A strong blue cheese that gives the soup its distinctive, tangy flavor.

Double cream: Adds a rich, creamy texture to the soup.

Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the flavors.

When blending the soup, ensure it has cooled slightly to avoid any splattering. Use an immersion blender for convenience, or blend in batches if using a countertop blender. This will help achieve a silky smooth texture, allowing the broccoli and stilton cheese flavors to meld perfectly.

• broccoli - Substitute with cauliflower: Cauliflower has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a good alternative in soups.

• broccoli - Substitute with spinach: Spinach provides a different but complementary flavor and retains the green color of the soup.

• onion - Substitute with leek: Leeks offer a milder, sweeter flavor that works well in soups.

• onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a more delicate and slightly sweeter taste compared to onions.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor when fresh garlic is not available.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can add a mild garlic-like flavor along with a hint of onion.

• vegetable stock - Substitute with chicken stock: Chicken stock can add a richer flavor to the soup, though it will no longer be vegetarian.

• vegetable stock - Substitute with mushroom broth: Mushroom broth provides a deep, umami flavor that enhances the soup.

• stilton cheese - Substitute with gorgonzola: Gorgonzola has a similar creamy texture and strong flavor, making it a good alternative.

• stilton cheese - Substitute with cheddar cheese: Cheddar provides a milder flavor but still adds creaminess to the soup.

• double cream - Substitute with half-and-half: Half-and-half is lighter but still adds creaminess to the soup.

• double cream - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk offers a dairy-free alternative with a rich texture.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor to the soup.

• pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile.

• Allow the broccoli and stilton soup to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to a watery texture.
• Transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers. For easy portion control, consider using individual serving-sized containers.
• Label the containers with the date of preparation. This ensures you keep track of freshness and consume the soup within a safe timeframe.
• Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the soup within 3-4 days. The double cream and stilton cheese will maintain their flavors and textures well during this period.
• For longer storage, place the airtight containers in the freezer. The soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months without significant loss of quality.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This gradual thawing helps preserve the creamy texture.
• Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the double cream to separate.
• Alternatively, you can reheat the soup in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until the soup is hot throughout.
• If the soup appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of vegetable stock or water to achieve the desired consistency.
• Serve the reheated soup hot, garnished with additional crumbled stilton cheese or a swirl of double cream if desired. Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread for a comforting meal.

• For stovetop reheating:

  1. Pour the broccoli and stilton soup into a saucepan.
  2. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. Once the soup is steaming and hot, it's ready to serve. Avoid boiling to preserve the creamy texture.

• For microwave reheating:

  1. Transfer the soup to a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plate to prevent splatters.
  3. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check the temperature and heat for additional 30-second intervals if necessary until hot.

• For oven reheating:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Pour the soup into an oven-safe dish and cover with foil.
  3. Heat in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  4. Once the soup is hot and steaming, remove from the oven and serve.

• For slow cooker reheating:

  1. Pour the broccoli and stilton soup into the slow cooker.
  2. Set the slow cooker to low heat.
  3. Heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally until the soup is hot throughout.
  4. Serve directly from the slow cooker for convenience.

• Large pot: Used to cook the soup ingredients together and allow them to simmer.

• Splash of oil: Used to sauté the onions and garlic.

• Chopping board: Used to chop the onion and cut the broccoli into florets.

• Knife: Used for chopping the onion and cutting the broccoli.

• Garlic press: Used to mince the garlic cloves.

• Measuring jug: Used to measure the vegetable stock.

• Blender: Used to blend the soup until smooth.

• Wooden spoon: Used to stir the ingredients while cooking.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure the double cream.

• Ladle: Used to serve the soup into bowls.

• Bowls: Used to serve the soup.

• Crusty bread: Served alongside the soup.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop the onion and broccoli ahead of time and store them in the fridge to save time during cooking.

Use pre-made stock: Opt for store-bought vegetable stock instead of making it from scratch to cut down on preparation time.

Blend in batches: If you have a small blender, blend the soup in batches to speed up the process.

Crumbled cheese: Buy pre-crumbled stilton cheese to avoid the extra step of crumbling it yourself.

Quick simmer: Use a lid on the pot to bring the broccoli to a boil faster and reduce cooking time.