If you're looking for a hearty and healthy soup to warm you up on a chilly day, look no further than creamy broccoli soup. With its rich and nutty flavor, creamy texture, and nutrient-dense ingredients, this soup is the perfect comfort food that won't sabotage your healthy eating goals. And with only 190 calories per cup, you can enjoy a big bowl without any guilt.

Made with fresh broccoli, low-fat milk, and a few other wholesome ingredients, creamy broccoli soup is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are essential for optimal health. Broccoli, in particular, is rich in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate, as well as phytochemicals like sulforaphane that have been linked to cancer prevention, digestion, and immune function.

In this article, we'll explore the benefits of creamy broccoli soup and how you can make it at home with simple ingredients and basic cooking skills. Whether you're a vegetarian, following a weight loss plan, or simply looking for a delicious and nutritious meal, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

What is Cream of Broccoli Soup?

Cream of broccoli soup is a thick and creamy soup that is typically made with broccoli, onions, garlic, and milk or cream. Some recipes also include other vegetables like carrots, celery, and potato to add more flavor and texture to the soup. The ingredients are cooked together until soft and tender, and then pureed until smooth and velvety. The soup can be served hot or cold, and is often garnished with croutons, grated cheese, or herbs. Creamy broccoli soup is a classic American dish that has been around since the early 1900s. It was originally made with fresh cream, butter, and flour, which gave it a rich and indulgent flavor that was popular among the upper class. Over the years, the recipe has evolved to include more vegetables and healthful ingredients, making it a popular choice among health-conscious consumers.

Ingredients in Cream of Broccoli Soup

The ingredients in creamy broccoli soup may vary depending on the recipe, but the basic ones include broccoli, onions, garlic, low-fat milk or cream, and a few spices for flavor. Other optional ingredients may include carrots, celery, potatoes, cornstarch, chicken stock or vegetable broth, and grated cheese. Some recipes also call for bacon or ham to add more richness and depth to the soup. To make a healthier version of creamy broccoli soup, you can use low-fat milk instead of cream, reduce the amount of butter or oil, and add more vegetables like spinach, kale, or peas. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock to make the soup vegetarian.

Calories in Cream of Broccoli Soup

The calories in creamy broccoli soup can range from 100 to 400 per cup, depending on the recipe and ingredients used. A cup of basic creamy broccoli soup made with low-fat milk, broccoli, onions, garlic, and spices contains around 190 calories. However, if you add more butter, cream, or cheese to the soup, the calorie count can double or triple per serving. That's why it's important to choose a recipe that uses wholesome and low-calorie ingredients. If you're following a weight loss plan or watching your calorie intake, you can use a nutrition calculator to estimate the calories in your soup and adjust the portion size accordingly. You can also serve the soup with a side salad or a piece of whole-grain bread to increase the fiber and protein content of your meal, and make it more filling and satisfying.

Health Benefits of Cream of Broccoli Soup

Creamy broccoli soup is a nutritious and flavorful soup that offers many health benefits. Here are some of the key nutrients and health benefits of this soup: Broccoli: Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that is rich in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and phytochemicals like sulforaphane. These nutrients have been linked to cancer prevention, immune function, digestion, and heart health. Milk: Low-fat milk is a good source of calcium, protein, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients that are essential for strong bones, teeth, and muscles. Milk also contains casein and whey, two types of protein that can help you feel full and satisfied after a meal.

How to Make Cream of Broccoli Soup

Making creamy broccoli soup is easier than you might think. Here's a simple recipe that uses only a few basic ingredients: Ingredients: 4 cups chopped broccoli florets, 1/2 cup chopped onions, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 2 cups low-fat milk, 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth, 2 tablespoons butter, Salt and pepper to taste, Chopped parsley or croutons for garnish.

Ways to Serve Cream of Broccoli Soup

Creamy broccoli soup can be served in many ways, depending on your taste and preference. Here are some ideas: - Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread or crackers for a comforting meal. - Serve cold with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for a refreshing appetizer or snack.

Cream of Broccoli Soup Vs Other Soups

Creamy broccoli soup is a healthier option than many other soups, especially those that are high in fat, sodium, and calories. Here's how it compares to some of the most popular soups in terms of calories and nutrients per cup: - Creamy mushroom soup: 290 calories, 18 g fat, 27 g carbs, 6 g protein, 20% DV vitamin D, 6% DV potassium. - Chicken noodle soup: 75 calories, 2 g fat, 10 g carbs, 3 g protein, 2% DV vitamin D, 4% DV iron.

Cream of Broccoli Soup for Weight Loss

Creamy broccoli soup can be a helpful food for weight loss, as long as you choose a recipe that is low in calories and high in protein and fiber. Here are some tips to make your soup more weight-loss friendly: - Use low-fat milk or almond milk instead of cream to reduce the calories and fat content of your soup. - Add more vegetables like spinach, kale, or cauliflower to increase the fiber and vitamin content of your soup, and make it more filling and satisfying.

Cream of Broccoli Soup for Vegetarians

Creamy broccoli soup is a perfect meal for vegetarians, as it can be made without any meat or animal products. Here's how you can make a vegetarian version of this soup: - Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock to make your soup vegetarian-friendly. - Add more vegetables like carrots, celery, or potatoes to enhance the flavor and texture of your soup, and make it more nutritious and wholesome.

Cream of Broccoli Soup for Meal Planning

Creamy broccoli soup is an ideal meal for meal planning, as it can be made in large batches and stored in the fridge or freezer for later use. Here are some tips for using this soup in your meal planning: - Make a big pot of soup on the weekend and portion it into individual containers for easy meal prep throughout the week. - Serve the soup with a side salad, a piece of bread, or a protein source like chicken or tofu to make it a complete and balanced meal. You can also add other vegetables or grains like quinoa, brown rice, or lentils to make the soup more filling and satisfying.