Creamy Broccoli Soup with Crunchy Croutons
Category: Main Dishes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Broccoli | 1 kg |
| Heavy cream | 150 g |
| Parmigiano Reggiano DOP | 30 g |
| Fine salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Pancetta (unsmoked) | 80 g |
| White bread (for croutons) | 50 g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | To taste |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Broccoli:
Begin by washing and cleaning the broccoli, removing the toughest and woody part of the stalk. Then, divide the broccoli into florets.
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-
Cook the Broccoli:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for about 10 minutes until tender. -
Prepare the Croutons:
While the broccoli is cooking, cut the pancetta and white bread into small cubes.
Heat a pan over moderate heat, add the pancetta, and cook until crispy, allowing the fat to render out.
Remove the pancetta from the pan and set it aside, keeping the rendered fat in the pan.
Use this fat to toast the bread cubes in the same pan until golden and crispy, making delicious croutons. -
Blend the Soup:
Once the broccoli is cooked, drain it, but reserve some of the cooking water.
Use an immersion blender to puree the broccoli, gradually adding a couple of ladles of the reserved cooking water.
Continue blending, adding more water if necessary, until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. -
Finish and Serve:
Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmigiano Reggiano for added richness.
Ladle the creamy broccoli soup into bowls and top with the crispy pancetta and crunchy croutons.
Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil for extra flavor, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can replace the heavy cream with a bit of milk or a dairy-free alternative.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, add less water when blending.
- For an extra touch of flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or garlic when blending the soup.
Enjoy this delicious and comforting creamy broccoli soup with crunchy croutons, perfect for a cozy meal with family and friends!
