Easy Broccoli and Stilton Soup Recipe for Cozy Comfort

Steaming bowls of creamy broccoli and stilton soup promise comfort on chilly afternoons.

Warm kitchens buzz with anticipation when this classic combination starts simmering.

Deeply green florets dance with sharp, tangy cheese notes in a velvety embrace.

Rich flavors blend seamlessly, creating a sophisticated yet approachable dish.

Hearty ingredients whisper stories of rustic kitchens and slow-cooked traditions.

Smooth textures and robust seasonings make this soup a perfect midday companion.

Follow these simple steps to craft a bowl that warms both body and soul.

Why James Martin Broccoli And Stilton Soup Feels So Rich

• Quick Kitchen Magic: Transform simple ingredients into a luxurious soup with minimal cooking steps that anyone can master.
• Comfort in a Bowl: Creamy stilton cheese blends perfectly with hearty broccoli, creating a rich and satisfying meal that warms you from inside out.
• Budget-Friendly Gourmet: Uses affordable ingredients like broccoli stalks and basic stock to craft a restaurant-quality soup without breaking the bank.
• Adaptable Crowd-Pleaser: Works great as a starter for dinner parties, weeknight family meal, or cozy lunch companion that appeals to different taste preferences.

Everything You Need For James Martin Broccoli And Stilton Soup

• Shallots: Sweet, mild onion variety that provides a delicate flavor foundation for the soup.
• Butter: Adds rich, creamy depth and helps sauté the shallots.
• Broccoli Stalks: Hearty vegetable base that contributes robust flavor and nutrition.
• Broccoli Florets: Tender green tops that add texture and visual appeal to the soup.

• Vegetable Stock, Sherry: Provides a flavorful liquid base with a subtle wine undertone.
• Half-and-Half: Creates a smooth, creamy consistency in the final soup.

• Stilton Cheese: Strong, tangy blue cheese that delivers a distinctive, rich flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the soup.

How To Make James Martin Broccoli And Stilton Soup

Step 1: Melt Butter and Caramelize Shallots

Grab a large pot and gently melt butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped shallots and cook them slowly until they become soft, translucent, and slightly golden, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 2: Introduce Broccoli Stalks and Sherry

Toss in the chopped broccoli stalks and splash some sherry into the pot. Stir the ingredients together and let them dance in the pan for a few moments, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and enhance the flavor profile.

Step 3: Pour in Vegetable Stock

Add vegetable stock to the pot, covering the broccoli stalks completely. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer and let the stalks cook until they become tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 4: Add Broccoli Florets

Carefully drop the broccoli florets into the simmering pot. Cover with a lid and continue cooking until the florets are fork-tender but still maintain a vibrant green color.

Step 5: Blend to Silky Smoothness

Remove the pot from heat and allow the soup to cool slightly for safety. Transfer the mixture to a blender and puree until smooth and creamy. Return the blended soup to the pot.

Step 6: Incorporate Stilton and Cream

Crumble Stilton cheese into the soup and pour in half-and-half. Stir gently over low heat until the cheese melts completely, creating a rich and luxurious texture.

Step 7: Season and Serve

• Extra crumbled Stilton
• Fresh cracked black pepper
• A drizzle of cream

Serve immediately while piping hot and enjoy the comforting flavors.

Smart Tips For James Martin Broccoli And Stilton Soup

• Control Blending Temperature: Let soup cool slightly before blending to prevent kitchen explosions and ensure smooth, safe processing.
• Select Cheese Wisely: Choose fresh, high-quality stilton for rich, authentic flavor and creamy texture.
• Enhance Vegetable Flavor: Sauté broccoli stalks first to develop deeper, nutty undertones before adding liquid.
• Adjust Consistency Easily: Add extra stock or half-and-half to thin soup or more cheese to thicken according to preference.
• Consider Dietary Alternatives: Swap dairy for coconut cream and use vegetable stock to create a vegan-friendly version of this classic soup.

Tasty Options For James Martin Broccoli And Stilton Soup

• Vegan Cheese Swap: Replace Stilton with nutritional yeast and cashew cream for a plant-based version.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut milk instead of half-and-half and swap cheese with almond-based cheese substitute.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure stock is gluten-free and use tamari instead of sherry for celiac-friendly adaptation.
• Low-Carb Variation: Reduce broccoli quantity, add cauliflower, and use heavy cream for keto-friendly modification.

Best Pairings For James Martin Broccoli And Stilton Soup

• Elevate Cheese Pairing: Serve with extra crumbled Stilton cheese on top for an intense blue cheese flavor that complements the soup's creamy base.
• Crisp Wine Selection: Choose a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness and balance the soup's creamy texture.
• Rustic Bread Accompaniment: Pair with toasted sourdough or crusty whole grain bread, allowing guests to dip and soak up the rich, cheesy soup with a satisfying crunch.
• Herbal Garnish Suggestion: Sprinkle fresh thyme or chives on top to add a light, fresh note that brightens the deep, earthy flavors of the broccoli and Stilton.

How To Store James Martin Broccoli And Stilton Soup Easily

• Store soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Avoid adding cream before freezing to prevent separation.
• Pour soup into microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature before serving.
• Warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of stock or water if too thick. Heat until steaming but not boiling to maintain creamy texture.

FAQs For James Martin Broccoli And Stilton Soup

• Is Stilton cheese necessary for this soup?

While Stilton provides a distinct tangy flavor, you can substitute with other blue cheeses like Roquefort or Gorgonzola for similar results.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, replace chicken stock with vegetable stock and use plant-based butter for sautéing to create a vegetarian version.

• How do I prevent the soup from becoming grainy when blending?

Always let the soup cool slightly before blending, and blend in batches to ensure a smooth, creamy texture without overheating.

• What's the best way to chop broccoli for this recipe?

Cut stalks into small, uniform pieces and separate florets to ensure even cooking and a consistent soup texture.

Broccoli And Stilton Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 112 1x

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Description

Creamy broccoli and stilton soup blends British comfort with rich, velvety flavors that dance on your palate. Hearty ingredients merge into a luxurious bowl of warmth you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds (1.5 lbs) broccoli (including trimmed stalks)
• 200 grams Stilton or blue cheese
• 30 ounces chicken or vegetable stock

Dairy and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup half and half (or milk + cream)
• 2 shallots, chopped
• 1 tablespoon dry sherry (optional)

Garnish and Spices:

• Stilton crumbles
• Reserved broccoli florets
• Fresh nutmeg or black pepper

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Instructions

1. Gently caramelize shallots in butter over medium heat until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Introduce chopped broccoli stalks to the pan, deglaze with sherry, and allow to sizzle for 2 minutes, releasing aromatic flavors.
3. Pour in vegetable or chicken stock, reduce heat, and let stalks simmer until completely softened, about 10-12 minutes.
4. Add broccoli florets to the pot, cover, and continue simmering for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are tender but retain a vibrant green color.
5. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly to prevent potential splashing during blending.
6. Transfer soup to a blender and puree until smooth and creamy, creating a velvety texture.
7. Return the blended soup to the pot and gradually incorporate stilton cheese and half-and-half, stirring continuously until cheese melts completely.
8. Season with salt, white pepper, and a hint of nutmeg to enhance the flavor profile.
9. Ladle into warm bowls, garnish with additional stilton crumbles or fresh chives, and serve immediately at a temperature of 160-165°F.

Notes

• Maximize flavor by caramelizing shallots slowly, releasing their sweet undertones without burning.
• Choose a robust Stilton for deeper cheese complexity, ensuring it’s at room temperature for smoother melting.
• Prevent soup separation by adding cheese gradually and stirring continuously during the final stage.
• Adapt for dietary needs by substituting dairy-free butter and using plant-based cheese alternatives for a vegan version.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 112
• Calories: 122
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg