I’ve been making this soup for over 35 years, having found the recipe in Jane Brody’s Good Food Book way back in the mid-eighties. I’ve served it countless times, and many who’ve eaten in my home have had it as part of their meal. Curried Cream of Broccoli Soup is one of those timeless recipes that’s suitable any time of year.
It’s Soup Season
It’s definitely soup season here in Ontario, as winter has stopped lallygagging and arrived with a spirited show of colder temperatures and snow. And you know what? I don’t mind at all! After all, it is January, and I’d rather look out at a snowy landscape than unrelieved brown and grey.
Inside, it’s warm and fragrant, with the soup kettle bubbling on the stove. This is the time to be making double batches and stowing soup in the freezer. I put it up in single portion containers for me and any of the Offspring who want some for their lunch, and in larger amounts so I’m always prepared when company stops by.
An Old Favourite
This curried cream of broccoli soup is an old standard around here. I’ve been making it for 35 years, ever since I first found the recipe in Jane Brody’s Good Food Book: Living the High-Carbohydrate Way. It was published in 1985, and doesn’t that subtitle tell you a lot about how food thinking and fads have changed over the years? When’s the last time you heard anyone advocating a high-carbohydrate lifestyle? Nonetheless, there are many excellent recipes in the book, including many for soup.
I’ve served this soup countless times, sometimes as the main course and sometimes as a starter, whether for special occasions like family visiting from Belgium or just simple, everyday meals.
Easy Enough to Make by Memory
This soup is so simple that I just make it from memory. So when I double-checked after all these years, I was surprised to see that I was still pretty much making it according to the recipe. Of course, I vary the amount of potatoes and broccoli according to what I have on hand, and I’ve tried different milks over the years too.
Although these days I like to make my own curries, this is one of the few recipes for which I use a packaged curry powder spice blend. Its mild flavour, delicately lingering in the background, complements the broccoli nicely.
Besides, why mess with a good thing? We like this soup just as it is.
Not only does it taste good, but just look at how pretty it is: pale green creaminess, offset by speckles of vibrant darker green … you just know it’s good for you too.
Let’s Make Curried Cream of Broccoli Soup
- 1 tbsp olive or grapeseed oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, depending on your preference
- 1 large baking or Yukon Gold potato, cut into small cubes
- 1 bunch broccoli (about a pound, although I never weigh mine)
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 cup water
- pinch or two of salt, to suit your taste
- 1 cup milk (I normally use 2 percent dairy milk; if you wish to use almond milk, make sure it's not sweetened or flavoured)
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Start by prepping all the vegetables: onion, garlic, potatoes and broccoli. Cut off the broccoli florets, then peel the stalks and cut those into slices (nothing goes to waste here!).
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Heat the oil over medium high heat in a Dutch oven, then add the onion and garlic. Cook, stirring from time to time, until translucent. Stir in the curry powder and pepper, and cook for a few minutes to develop the curry flavour. Tumble in the potato cubes, give them a good stir and then add the broccoli. Pour in the stock and water and mix everything together well.
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Cover the pot, bring to a boil and then turn the heat to low. Simmer for about 20 minutes, at which point the broccoli and potatoes should be soft. Now's the time to whip out your trusty immersion blender and process the soup until it's velvety smooth. Taste, and add salt if needed, and more pepper if you'd like more heat. Stir in the milk to up the lusciousness factor and serve.
Looking for More Soups?
If it’s soup you’re looking for, you’re in the right place. There are close to 50 soup recipes here at Urban Cottage Life! So, what to choose, what to choose? I think these are great choices for winter weather, though I wouldn’t hesitate to make them in the summer either: Yellow Split Pea Soup; Portobello Mushroom and Sausage Soup; and, Turkey, Cabbage and Squash Soup with Fennel Seeds.
First Published 2011 10 30
Republished 2016 01 21
Republished 2021 01 19
Made as soon as I received the recipe. Oh my, this is so fragrant and yummy. It hit the spot on this cold wintery day. I will definitely make again with one possible change – a bit less pepper ( although I’m not sure the amount wasn’t doubled by mistake!). Will also double the recipe next time so some makes it to the freezer…
Wow, I’m so pleased you made this right away, Sharon — you made my day! I do like a fair bit of pepper, but you raise a good point. I’ve changed the recipe to say 1/4 to 1/2 tsp, depending on your preference. Always best to start with less and add more if needed! Happy soup making!
[…] Curried Cream of Broccoli Soup […]
I love soup in winter. At the moment I have pea soup, turkey soup and cod chowder on hand. 🙂
They all sound delicious, Jennifer! I have the makings on hand for yellow split pea soup … must get to that — it’s another favourite! (I have many favourites, lol.)
Pea soup is our favourite too. I make it often.
It’s a classic!
I love that you curried the soup – it goes so well with broccoli!
I can’t take credit for coming up with the idea, Mimi, but you’re right that it complements the broccoli very well!
love broccoli and soup makes a nice combination …
Thanks Suzanne!
There’s nothing quite like stepping into the kitchen on a cold winter’s day to smell a pot of soup simmering on the stove. I know I sure would like to see a pot of this soup on my stove, Mar, — and I will, soon enough. Love how relatively simple it is. I also got a chuckle from the book title. Finally, a kindred spirit! 🙂
Soup is just so homey, yet it can also be a global adventure! I laughed, too, when I saw the title of the book again. I wonder when the pendulum will swing back in favour of carbohydrates again!
[…] idea); Avocado Toast; Healthier Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins (with some stealth nutrition); Curried Cream of Broccoli Soup; Almond Butter; a Date & Almond Smoothie; and, Beef and Mushroom Shepherd’s Pie. […]
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[…] are many soups in my repertoire that have deep meaning for me. I’ve been making Curried Cream of Broccoli Soup for well over 30 years, and have served it to countless family and friends. My Silky Corn Soup is […]
Soup was on the menu here too vegie rice and tomato. Only carrot.no celery and onion for the base..enjoy your time un the kitchen ..
Your soup sounds delicious, Suzanne!