Broccoli Carrot Soup

Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for Broccoli Carrot Soup. It’s a healthy, comforting dish that’s perfect for any time of the year.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 large head of broccoli, chopped (including stems)
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (optional, for a creamier soup)
• Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:
   • Wash and chop the carrots and broccoli. Peel and chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
   • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
   • Add the chopped carrots and broccoli to the pot. Stir to combine.
   • Pour in the vegetable broth and water. Add the dried thyme.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
   • Cover and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 20-25 minutes.
4. Blend the Soup:
   • Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth. Be careful when blending hot liquids.
   • If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can blend only half of the soup and leave the rest chunky.
5. Add Cream (Optional):
   • If you want a creamier soup, stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk at this stage. Heat through, but do not bring to a boil.
6. Season and Serve:
   • Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired.

Tips:

• For extra flavor, you can add a bay leaf while simmering the soup and remove it before blending.
• If you prefer a richer flavor, sauté the vegetables for a few more minutes before adding the broth.
• This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Enjoy your delicious Broccoli Carrot Soup!