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Cream of Broccoli Soup
Pale green and silky, with the fresh taste of broccoli intact instead of cooked into gray submission. Stems go into the soup, tiny florets and a few dots of parsley oil go on top. Cream is used with a light hand, so the vegetable does the talking.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Total
- 40 min
- Serves
- 4
- Level
- Easy
- Cuisine
- French
Method
Step 1: Make the herb oil: blanch the parsley in boiling water for 10 seconds, shock in ice water, squeeze very dry, then blend with the oil and a pinch of salt for 1 minute. Strain through a fine sieve and set aside.
Step 2: In the same boiling water, cook 12 small florets for 90 seconds, until bright green, then drain and reserve for garnish.
Step 3: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the leek and broccoli stems with a pinch of salt and cook gently for 8 minutes, until soft but not browned.
Step 4: Add the garlic for 1 minute, then pour in the stock and bring to a simmer. Add the remaining florets and cook uncovered for 6 to 7 minutes, just until a floret is tender when pierced. Any longer and the color dulls.
Step 5: Blend immediately until completely smooth, then stir in the cream and lemon juice. Season with salt and white pepper and rewarm gently if needed.
Step 6: Ladle into bowls, set three reserved florets in the center of each, and dot the surface with the herb oil.
Kitchen note
Broccoli turns olive-drab after about 8 minutes of simmering as heat and acids break down chlorophyll, so the florets go in late and the soup is blended the moment they are tender.
Easy swap
Stir in 1 cup of grated sharp white cheddar off the heat for a richer broccoli-cheddar version.

