What To Do With Leftover Broccoli Stems & Stalks
Welcome to a culinary journey where simplicity meets nutrition with every spoonful of our delicious broccoli soup. Perfect for a cozy evening or as a delightful starter for a special meal, this broccoli soup combines the vibrant flavors of fresh broccoli, the creamy richness of wholesome ingredients, and a touch of aromatic herbs and spices.
Our recipe is designed to be accessible and adaptable, whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or an experienced chef. It’s a culinary journey that anyone can embark on, celebrating the natural goodness of broccoli, a superfood packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote overall health.
The preparation process is straightforward, ensuring you can quickly whip up this heartwarming dish. Each step is crafted to preserve and enhance the vegetables ‘ natural essence, from the gentle sautéing of onions and garlic to the simmering of broccoli stems in a flavorful broth. A splash of cream adds a luscious texture, while a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper and a hint of nutmeg elevate the flavor profile.
Ideal for any season, this broccoli soup can be enjoyed warm during the winter months or served chilled in the summer. Garnish with a sprinkle of cheese or a dollop of yogurt for an extra layer of indulgence. Enjoy the nourishing comfort of this broccoli soup, a dish that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat.
Broccoli Stems
Broccoli stems, often overlooked and underappreciated, are a versatile and nutritious part of the vegetable that deserves a place in your kitchen. They are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them valuable to a balanced diet. So, by incorporating them into your meals, you’re reducing food waste and maximizing the nutritional benefits of this cruciferous vegetable.
Broccoli stems, often overlooked and underappreciated, are a versatile and nutritious part of the vegetable that deserves a place in your kitchen. They have a milder, slightly sweeter taste than florets and can be used in various culinary applications. So, next time you’re in the kitchen, think about the endless possibilities of these stems.
Incorporating broccoli stems into your meals reduces food waste and maximizes this cruciferous vegetable’s nutritional benefits. So next time, think twice before discarding the stems and explore their culinary potential!
Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 stalk celery chopped
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken stock homemade or low-sodium broth
- 8 cups broccoli stems chopped
- 2 cups half and half
Instructions
- Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat for 4 - 5 minutes.
- When the pan is hot, add the butter and oil.
- Once the butter is melted, add the onion and celery and saute until the vegetables are translucent and start turning golden.
- Stir in the additional butter. When melted, stir in the flour. Cook, constantly stirring, for two-three minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth, broccoli stems, half and half, and another heavy pinch of salt. Simmer until the broccoli stems are very soft, about 10-12 minutes.
- Blend with an immersion blender or in batches in a conventional blender until the soup is as smooth as you like it.
- Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Serve as is with some grated cheese or use in any recipe that calls for cream of broccoli soup.
Some of My Favorite Soup Recipes
5 Responses
Seeing this recipe reminded me of the broccoli in my fridge. Easy recipe and I’m craving for some.
What a great idea! I must admit, I usually end up throwing out the stalks. I’ll use them in a stir-fry, but because they take longer to cook than the florets, they usually end up in the food waste.
Instead of the flour butter and half and half, I peel and dice a potato to cook along with the broccoli. Less calories and a nice thick consistency. Also it’s great to throw in a good handful of shredded cheese right before serving! Nancy
Recipe contains no instructions – only a copy of the introductory text.
Not sure what happened to the instructions but fixed now. Thanks for letting me know.