Get ready to indulge in a bowlful of pure comfort with this Creamy Broccoli Soup recipe—minus the cream! By swapping in white beans, we're taking creaminess to a whole new level while boosting protein and fiber.
This lighter version of Creamy Broccoli Soup is as quick and easy as it is wholesome! With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you'll have a steaming bowl of goodness on the table in no time. Packed with fiber, protein, and a variety of nutrients, it's the perfect go-to option for a satisfying meal that's both nourishing and convenient.
If you love creamy soups with sneaky protein added you might want to check out these recipes for Squash and Lentil Soup and Creamy Carrot Soup.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
Healthy Twist: Creamy Broccoli Soup without dairy offers a creamy texture without relying on heavy cream or milk, making it a healthier option for those watching their intake of saturated fat or calories.
Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this soup comes together in a breeze, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Perfect for Meal Prep: this Broccoli Soup can be made in large batches and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 6 months, allowing for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners. Similar to this recipe for Spiced Chickpea Soup.
Nutritious and Balanced: Loaded with broccoli, carrots, celery, and white beans, this soup is a great source of essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein, contributing to a well-balanced diet.
🥘Ingredients and Substitutions
Olive oil: Any oil appropriate for cooking works for this recipe.
Onion: I used a white onion but any type will work. If you're out of onion or prefer a milder flavor, you can use shallots or leeks instead.
Carrot and Celery: Feel free to swap carrots and celery with other vegetables like bell peppers, parsnips, or even sweet potatoes for added sweetness and depth of flavor. Any of these vegetables can also be added in addition to the carrots and celery,
Garlic: Fresh garlic is always my first choice for best flavour but if it's unavailable you can substitute with garlic powder or garlic paste. Adjust the quantity according to taste.
Broccoli: While broccoli is the star of this soup, you can substitute it partially or entirely with cauliflower. You can also add in other green, leafy vegetables such as spinach or kale.
White Beans: Other types of beans can be used for this Broccoli Soup such as navy beans, Great Northern, chickpeas or lentils.
Dijon Mustard: If you don't have Dijon mustard, you can use regular mustard, mustard powder (1 tsp.) or omit it altogether. It adds a subtle tanginess to the soup, but its absence won't drastically affect the overall flavor.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice adds brightness to the soup, but if you're out of lemons, you can use vinegar (such as white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar) as a substitute.
Garnishes: Get creative with your garnishes! There are many options for dressing up your bowl of soup and customizing it for personal preferences. See note in the recipe card for a list of suggestions.
For a complete list of ingredients see the recipe card below.
Variations
Cheesy Broccoli Soup: Stir in some shredded cheddar cheese or nutritional yeast to add a cheesy flavor to the soup. You can also top it with additional cheese before serving.
Spicy Broccoli Soup: Add some red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to give the soup a spicy kick.
Curried Broccoli Soup: I love curry flavour with broccoli. Incorporate curry powder or curry paste to infuse the soup with an exotic taste. Finish with a swirl of coconut milk for creaminess.
Creamy Potato Broccoli Soup: Add diced potatoes along with the other vegetables for a heartier and creamier texture. You can also blend in some cooked potatoes with the soup to thicken it further.
🔪How to Make Creamy Broccoli Soup without Cream
Step 1: Over medium heat, sauté the onion, carrot and celery until softened. Then add the garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 2: Add broccoli, beans, stock, thyme, salt, pepper, and mustard.
Step 3: Bring to a gentle simmer, cover and cook for 20 minutes.
Step 4: Remove from heat. Add lemon juice and puree with a hand blender or traditional blender until smooth or the consistency you like.
For detailed instructions see the recipe card below.
Expert Tips
Prepare your ingredients - In the restaurant world we call this "mise en place" which means "everything in its place". This is my number 1 piece of cooking advice. Before you start cooking make sure you have all your ingredients measured, chopped, drained etc. This is especially helpful when making one-pan meals that come together quickly.
Adjust the thickness: When making creamed soups it's a good idea to hold back on adding the full amount of stock/broth or liquid the recipe calls for. This allows you to adjust it to the consistency you like. After blending, add more stock or liquid if necessary.
Recipe FAQs
Add starchy vegetables such as potatoes or cauliflower can help to thicken soups. You can also add more beans or cooked rice.
There are a few factors that can contribute to a bland soup. If the broth you used is sodium free you may need to add extra salt and seasonings. An extra splash of fresh squeezed lemon juice or vinegar can elevate the brightness of a bland soup as well.
Absolutely! Replace one cup of broth with one cup of whipping cream or coconut milk. You can also add milk just be careful not to bring it to a boil when reheating as this can cause it to curdle.
Yes broccoli soup freezes perfectly in airtight containers for up to 6 months. Let cool completely before freezing. Defrost and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
More Soup Recipes
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Creamy Broccoli Soup without Cream
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion ,diced
- 1 large carrot ,diced
- 2 stalks celery ,diced
- 2 tablespoons garlic ,finely chopped (4 large cloves)
- 2 lbs broccoli ,stems peeled and diced, floretes chopped (10 cups)
- 1 can ,540 ml/19 oz white kidney beans, drained and rinsed well
- 8 cups vegetable or chicken broth/stock ,low sodium *see recipe note #1
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ½ lemon , juiced
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until softened.1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 large onion, 1 large carrot, 2 stalks celery
- Stir in garlic and continue cooking for one minute.2 tablespoons garlic
- Add broccoli, white beans, stock/broth, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard.2 lbs broccoli, 1 can, 8 cups vegetable or chicken broth/stock, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and puree with an immersion or traditional blender.
- Transfer back to pot and stir in lemon juice.½ lemon
- Serve warm topped with your favourite garnishes. *See recipe note #2 for suggestions.
Jean says
Love this broccoli soup Andrea. Family favourite with cheddar cheese😀
Andrea says
I’m so happy to hear that! Thanks so much for the comment 😊
Corrine Chapin says
I tried this soup and loved it!! My husband is not a broccoli fan but loved the soup. He ate all the left overs. I will make it again!!!
thanks Andrea, we love your recipes!!
We are invited to a caseole party what would you suggest?
Corrine
Andrea says
I'm so thrilled that your husband loved the soup even though he doesn't like broccoli! I would go with the Chicken Bacon Ranch or Loaded Cauliflower to steal the show. The Tex-Mex Chicken is also always a hit. Let me know which one you go with!
Agustin J Mut says
Easy and satisfying. Added garlic flavoured croutons as a topping.
Super!
Jose
Rhondda says
Made this on Sunday. I forgot to buy celery so I omitted it.
I did add 3 diced russet potatoes. Couldn't find anywhere on the instructions how much I should add.
Think in needed more potatoes or beans to thicken it and make it creamier. .Very tasty though!
Andrea says
Hi Rhondda! I’m so happy you enjoyed the soup. The easiest way to adjust the thickness is to add less stock or broth. I prefer my soups on the thinner side so if you love a thick soup start with half the amount of broth and then add as needed after you have blended it. Hope that helps!
Debbie says
Hi again Andrea. Before the fajita recipe, I made this broccoli soup. It too was amazing, although not having had broccoli soup before, I had nothing to compare. I loved the flavour, I loved the beans as it added some more protein, and after puréing the ingredients, I loved the texture. So happy it made a big pot. Another amazing experience in the kitchen. I’m forever grateful.
Sincerely, Debbie
Andrea says
Thank you for the wonderful comment Debbie! I am so happy you enjoyed the soup!
Sharon says
Another delicious soup Andrea! Love how smooth and creamy it is without the cream. Magic! Topped it with grated cheddar for a perfect lunch!
Michelle says
This soup is quick and easy to make from staples right in the pantry and fridge. It has a freshness from the addition of the lemon at the end but hardy and filling (I added some red lentils too).
The greatest thing about Andrea's receipes is that they are so approachable and made simple with multiple options if you dont like or have a particular ingrediant. This receipe dropped in my email this morning and whipped it up for lunch. Loved it!
Andrea says
Hi Michelle! Thank you so much for your wonderful comment! I am so happy you were able to whip up this soup so quickly and that you enjoyed it 😊
Mary Muir says
Will be making this on the weekend. Looks and sounds delicious