Creamy Broccoli and Mushroom Soup

Creamy Broccoli and Mushroom Soup is a delicious and comforting vegetable soup that can be enjoyed hot or cold. With its combination of sliced mushrooms, fresh broccoli, and a creamy base made from low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and fat-free evaporated milk, this soup is both satisfying and nutritious. It’s perfect for those hot summer evenings when you want a refreshing meal or as a cozy option during cooler weather.

INGREDIENTS:

• 8 ounces (225 g) mushrooms, sliced
• 2 pounds (900 g) broccoli
• 20 ounces (560 g) low-sodium cream of mushroom soup
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• 2 cups (475 ml) fat-free evaporated milk
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

PREPARATION:

1. In a slow cooker, combine the sliced mushrooms, broccoli (cut into florets), low-sodium cream of mushroom soup, thyme, fat-free evaporated milk, and black pepper.
2. Stir all the ingredients together until well combined.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3½ to 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to become tender.
4. Once the cooking time is complete, use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender in batches to puree it until smooth. Alternatively, you can leave some chunks of vegetables for added texture if desired.
5. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding salt and pepper to taste.
6. If serving the soup hot, ladle it into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added freshness and creaminess.
7. If serving the soup cold, transfer it to a covered container and refrigerate until chilled. Serve the chilled soup in bowls or glasses, garnishing with a drizzle of olive oil and some chopped fresh chives or scallions for an extra burst of flavor.

YIELD: 10 servings

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• 192 g water
• 106 calories (12% from fat, 28% from protein, 61% from carbs)
• 8 g protein
• 1 g total fat
• 0 g saturated fat
• 0 g monounsaturated fat
• 0 g polyunsaturated fat
• 17 g carbs
• 3 g fiber
• 9 g sugar
• 208 mg phosphorus
• 200 mg calcium
• 1 mg iron
• 108 mg sodium
• 742 mg potassium
• 774 IU vitamin A
• 62 mg ATE vitamin E
• 82 mg vitamin C
• 4 mg cholesterol

Creamy Broccoli and Mushroom Soup is a versatile and tasty option for any time of the year. Whether you prefer it hot or cold, this soup delivers a comforting and flavorful experience. The combination of sliced mushrooms, fresh broccoli, and a creamy base made from low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and fat-free evaporated milk creates a delightful texture and taste.

Broccoli is a nutrient-rich vegetable known for its high fiber content and various vitamins and minerals. It is a great source of vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and potassium. Combined with the earthy flavors of mushrooms, this soup provides a wonderful blend of nutrients and taste.

The low-sodium cream of mushroom soup serves as the creamy base for this recipe, adding richness and depth of flavor. Choosing a low-sodium version helps to reduce the overall sodium content of the soup while still maintaining a satisfying taste.

To make the soup, simply combine the ingredients in a slow cooker and let it cook on low heat for several hours. The slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to become tender. Once cooked, you can use an immersion blender or a countertop blender to puree the soup until smooth. This step gives the soup its creamy consistency and allows the flavors to blend harmoniously.

The finished soup can be served hot or cold, depending on your preference and the season. When serving it hot, consider garnishing each bowl with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a dollop of Greek yogurt. These additions add a burst of freshness and enhance the overall presentation of the dish.

If you prefer a cold soup, transfer the cooked soup to a covered container and refrigerate it until chilled. Cold creamy broccoli and mushroom soup is a refreshing option for summer days when you crave a light and cooling meal. Drizzling a little olive oil over the top and adding some chopped fresh chives or scallions provides an additional layer of flavor and makes the presentation more appealing.

Whether enjoyed as a starter, a light meal, or even as a side dish, Creamy Broccoli and Mushroom Soup offers a balance of flavors and textures that will satisfy your taste buds. Its versatility allows you to adapt it to your preferences and the season, making it a go-to recipe throughout the year.