Broccoli Soup

Indulge in the comforting embrace of Broccoli Soup, a creation from the culinary expertise of Jeff Cox, an advocate of organic gardening and a connoisseur of fine flavors. This recipe marries the vibrant essence of broccoli with a velvety texture and a hint of citrus brightness, resulting in a soul-soothing dish that exemplifies the beauty of simplicity and taste.

SERVES 4–6
PREP 10 MIN
COOK 40 MIN
FREEZE UP TO 3 MONTHS
AT THE END OF STEP 3

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 ½ lb (675g) broccoli florets
• 3 tbsp (45g) butter
• 2–3 celery ribs, finely chopped
• 2 leeks, white parts only, chopped
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ quarts (1 ½ liters) hot chicken stock
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• ½ cup (125ml) heavy cream
• 2 tbsp snipped chives, to serve

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add ½ tbsp of the lemon juice. Add half of the broccoli and cook for 3 minutes, or until just tender. Remove to a colander and run cold water over them to stop the cooking. Let them drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the celery and leeks and cook, stirring, for 5–7 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Add the flour and stir it in thoroughly, then whisk in the stock until the flour is entirely absorbed. Turn the heat to high and bring to a vigorous boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Chop the uncooked broccoli into small pieces and add to the soup. Simmer for 15 minutes, or until very tender. Process in a blender until almost smooth—you want to retain a slightly grainy texture.
4. Return the puree to the saucepan, season to taste with salt, pepper, and the rest of the lemon juice, then add the cream and the reserved broccoli. Reheat and serve, sprinkled with chives.

Broccoli Soup is more than a mere dish—it’s an invitation to embrace the essence of wholesome ingredients and culinary artistry. Inspired by Jeff Cox’s dedication to organic gardening, this soup captures the essence of fresh broccoli florets in a symphony of flavors.

Steaming broccoli to the perfect tenderness in lemon-kissed water preserves its vibrant color and essential nutrients. As the butter sizzles in the saucepan, the aromatic dance of celery and leeks unfolds, infusing the base with a gentle fragrance that sets the stage for what’s to come.

With a flourish of flour and a crescendo of chicken stock, the soup transforms into a velvety blend that marries textures and flavors in perfect harmony. The uncooked broccoli, carefully added to the mix, offers a delightful contrast, creating a balanced symphony of smoothness and a touch of graininess.

A sprinkle of salt and a grind of black pepper season the soup with precision, while the final addition of heavy cream adds a luxurious finish. Each spoonful is a journey into comfort, with the snipped chives garnishing the bowl like a final musical note—a crescendo of color and taste.

Broccoli Soup embodies the essence of Jeff Cox’s passion for wholesome ingredients and mindful preparation. It’s a celebration of nature’s bounty, a tribute to culinary artistry, and a soothing embrace for all who savor its flavors.