This Tender Broccoli Dish with Croutons offers a comforting and flavorful combination of tender vegetables and crispy croutons, making it a delightful addition to any meal. The creamy broccoli soup base, enriched with Parmesan cheese and complemented by homemade croutons, delivers a satisfying and delicious experience. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, this recipe is sure to please with its vibrant flavors and comforting texture.
Ingredients
For the Broccoli Dish:
- Olive oil, for sautéing
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 3 potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 head broccoli, chopped
- 750 ml (3 cups) vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 200 ml (1 cup) cream
- Parmesan cheese, grated, to taste
- Parsley, chopped, for garnish
For the Croutons:
- Sliced bread
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Smoked paprika, to taste
- Herbs of Provence, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until fragrant and softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- Add the chopped carrot and potatoes to the pot.
- Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, stirring from time to time.
- Stir in the chopped broccoli and continue to cook for another 5 minutes.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Pour in the vegetable broth (or chicken broth) and bring to a boil.
- Lower the heat and let it gently simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft.
- Blend and Season:
- Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend until creamy.
- Return the soup to the pot and stir in the cream.
- Adjust the flavor with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference.
- Let the soup heat through, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Prepare the Croutons:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Cut the sliced bread into cubes.
- Arrange on a baking sheet and lightly coat with olive oil. Season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and a blend of Herbs de Provence.
- Toss to coat the bread cubes evenly and bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the croutons are golden brown and crispy.
- Finish and Serve:
- Ladle the creamy broccoli soup into bowls. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
- Top with the crispy croutons just before serving.
Conclusion
This Tender Broccoli Dish with Croutons combines the richness of creamy broccoli soup with the satisfying crunch of homemade croutons. The blend of savory flavors and textures makes this dish a comforting and delicious choice for any occasion. Enjoy the warmth and satisfaction of this hearty meal, perfect for warming up on a chilly day or adding a touch of comfort to your dinner table.