This Italian Broccoli Soup is a warm, comforting dish filled with nutritious broccoli and flavored with garlic and nutmeg. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for a cozy meal. The addition of pasta and Parmesan cheese makes it hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound broccoli, cut into stems and florets
- 4 cups chicken broth (substitute with vegetable broth or water if preferred)
- 2 cups water
- 3–4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Fresh black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 3/4 cup orzo or ditalini pasta
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
- Extra virgin olive oil for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Broccoli:
- Wash the broccoli thoroughly. Separate the florets from the stems. Peel the stems and slice them into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the Soup Base:
- In a large pot, bring the chicken broth and water to a boil. Add the garlic, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional nutmeg to the pot.
- Add the broccoli stems (not the florets yet) to the boiling broth. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes.
- Add Broccoli Florets and Pasta:
- After the stems have softened slightly, add the broccoli florets and pasta to the pot. Continue to simmer until the pasta is cooked and the broccoli is tender but still bright green, about 8-10 minutes.
- Check Seasoning:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with a generous sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
- Garnish and Enjoy:
- Serve hot, ensuring each bowl is garnished for flavor and presentation.
Tips:
- Broth Choices: Using chicken broth adds a nice depth of flavor, but vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version.
- Adding Creaminess: For a creamier texture, take some of the cooked broccoli out, blend it, and stir it back into the soup.
- Pasta Alternatives: If orzo or ditalini isn’t available, any small pasta will work. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Nutritional Boost: Consider adding other vegetables like carrots or celery during the simmering process for added nutrients and flavor layers.
Conclusion:
This Italian Broccoli Soup is not only delicious but also versatile and easy to make. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal during the colder months. The flavors are rich, and the additional garnishes of Parmesan and olive oil enhance the taste, making this simple soup feel gourmet. Enjoy this delightful and wholesome dish that’s sure to warm you up from the inside out!