There’s something truly comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially as the cooler weather rolls in. I stumbled upon this Broccoli Feta Soup one chilly afternoon while rummaging through my fridge, desperately searching for a way to use up some fresh broccoli before it went to waste. The vibrant green of the florets mixed with creamy feta suddenly transformed what could have been a mundane meal into a hearty culinary delight.
Imagine a rich, savory broth infused with the aromatic notes of garlic and just a hint of spice, all while being incredibly easy to prepare. This soup not only satisfies on a cold day but also offers the perfect balance of nutrients and flavors, making it an excellent alternative to the fast food options that often dominate our busy lives. Packed with wholesome ingredients like tender potatoes and small ditalini pasta, it’s a dish that will leave you feeling nourished and content. Plus, its versatility means you can adjust the spices and toppings to suit your mood. So grab your apron and let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite!
Why is Broccoli Feta Soup so special?
Comforting Warmth: This soup embodies that cozy feeling we all crave on chilly nights.
Flavor Explosion: The vibrant combination of garlic, herbs, and creamy feta creates a mouthwatering taste that delights the senses.
Nutritious and Wholesome: Packed with fresh veggies and protein, it’s guilt-free comfort food!
Quick Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep, you can have a delicious homemade meal ready in no time.
Versatile Options: Customize your dish with different spices or extras like crispy bread for dipping.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this soup brings everyone to the table!
Broccoli Feta Soup Ingredients
Get ready to create a comforting and delicious Broccoli Feta Soup with these simple ingredients!
For the Soup Base
• Olive oil – Adds a rich flavor and helps sauté the onions to perfection.
• Large onion, diced – Essential for building a savory foundation.
• Large garlic cloves, diced – Provides aromatic depth to the soup.
• Red chili flakes – Just a pinch adds a subtle heat to balance the creaminess.
• Potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes – Gives the soup body and creaminess when blended.
• Broccoli, cut into florets – The star ingredient that’s packed with nutrients.
• Low-sodium vegetable stock (or water) – The broth enhances flavor without overwhelming saltiness.
• Salt – Adjust to taste for the perfect seasoning.
• Ground black pepper – Adds a touch of warmth and enhances overall flavor.
For the Pasta
• Ditalini (or another small pasta) – A fun shape that complements the broccoli and adds heartiness.
For the Finishing Touches
• Feta cheese, crumbled – Adds a creamy, tangy flavor that’s simply irresistible; save some for serving!
• Fresh parsley, roughly chopped – Brightens up the soup and adds a burst of color.
Feel free to get creative with your toppings and spices—this soup is all about personal taste!
How to Make Broccoli Feta Soup
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Heat the olive oil in a large stock pot or Dutch oven. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes over medium heat until softened and translucent.
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Add the minced garlic and red chili flakes, stirring for another minute until fragrant, creating an aromatic base for your soup.
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Combine the potatoes, broccoli florets, vegetable stock, salt, and pepper in the pot. Stir well, then bring everything to a boil. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes until the veggies are tender.
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Blend the soup with a hand blender until smooth, but leave some broccoli and potato chunks for a delightful texture in every bowl.
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Simmer once more and add the ditalini pasta to the pot. Cook for 10-12 minutes until the pasta is al dente, stirring often to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
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Stir in the crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley when the pasta is cooked. This gives a creamy finish and bright flavor to your soup.
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Serve hot, adjusting seasoning as needed, and sprinkle with additional crumbled feta and red chili flakes for that extra touch of flavor.
Optional: Drizzle with a splash of olive oil for added richness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Broccoli Feta Soup
Fridge: Store leftover Broccoli Feta Soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Freezer: Allow the soup to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Warm it gently on the stove, adding a splash of vegetable stock if it’s too thick.
Texture Tips: When reheating, you may want to add extra crumbled feta or fresh parsley for a fresh flavor boost.
What to Serve with Broccoli Feta Soup?
Cozy up to a comforting meal with delightful sides that elevate your bowl of soup to new heights.
- Crusty Bread: Nothing beats dipping a warm, crusty baguette into your soup for a boost of texture and flavor.
- Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized veggies add an earthy sweetness, enhancing the freshness of your soup’s ingredients.
- Simple Green Salad: A light salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the creamy richness of the soup, making each bite refreshing.
- Cheese Toasties: Melty cheese on toasted bread provides indulgent crunch, perfect for dunking in your savory soup.
- Garlic Knots: Soft, fluffy knots infused with garlic and herbs bring a delightful aroma and flavor that pairs harmoniously.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp, chilled white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, enhances the flavors of the feta and broccoli beautifully.
- Fruit Sorbet: A light fruit sorbet for dessert cleanses the palette after the hearty soup, leaving you refreshed and satisfied.
- Steamed Asparagus: Crisp-tender asparagus adds a nice crunch and complements the soup with its bright, grassy flavor.
Make Ahead Options
These Broccoli Feta Soup prep methods are perfect for busy weeknights! You can chop the onion, garlic, potatoes, and broccoli up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. For even longer storage, the blended soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months—just be sure to leave out the pasta and feta until you’re ready to serve, to keep the flavors fresh and vibrant. When it’s time to enjoy your soup, simmer it on the stove, add the ditalini to cook until al dente, and stir in the crumbled feta for that creamy finish. This way, you can savor a delicious homemade meal with minimal effort!
Expert Tips for Broccoli Feta Soup
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh broccoli and garlic for maximum flavor. Wilting veggies can lead to a less vibrant soup.
- Don’t Overblend: For a delightful texture, blend the soup only partially. Keeping some chunks of broccoli and potatoes adds character.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Be careful not to overcook the ditalini; it should retain a slight bite. Sticking pasta can affect the final dish.
- Zest Up the Flavor: Feel free to add lemon juice or zest for a bright finish that complements the creamy feta.
- Customize Spices: Experiment with herbs and spices like thyme or nutmeg based on your preference to make the Broccoli Feta Soup uniquely yours.
- Garnish Creatively: Top with extra feta, a drizzle of olive oil, or even toasted nuts for added texture and a flavorful flourish.
Broccoli Feta Soup Variations
Inviting you to make this soup uniquely yours with delightful twists and swaps!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute the feta with a dairy-free cream cheese or nut-based cheese for a plant-based option.
For an extra layer of flavor, fold in a splash of lemon juice after blending to brighten the soup. -
Creamy Dream: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half just before serving for a luscious, velvety texture.
This indulgence enhances richness without overshadowing the fresh veggies. -
Add More Veggies: Toss in some spinach, kale, or peas for an extra nutrient boost and vibrant color.
Each adds a different flavor profile while keeping the dish fresh and balanced. -
Spice It Up: Increase the red chili flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper for a bolder spice kick.
You can always adjust to find your perfect heat level—savor those warming flavors! -
Grain Swap: Trade out ditalini for quinoa, barley, or farro for a hearty grain twist — perfect for extra texture.
These swaps will provide a delightful chewiness and bring even more nutrition to your bowl. -
Herb Infusion: Use fresh herbs like dill, basil, or chives to elevate the taste and scent of your soup.
These fragrant additions bring brightness and freshness that balance beautifully with the creamy notes. -
Roasted Garlic: Add roasted garlic instead of fresh for a sweeter, mellow flavor profile that rounds out the soup.
Its deep taste transforms the broth into a comforting embrace you won’t forget. -
Smoky Flavor: Go bold with a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce or smoked paprika to impart a lovely smoky depth.
This can create an enticing contrast against the creamy feta that keeps you coming back for more.
Broccoli Feta Soup Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting broccoli for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing broccoli, you want firm florets with a bright green color. Avoid any heads with yellowing florets or dark spots, as this indicates age. Freshness will ensure that your Broccoli Feta Soup is vibrant and flavorful!
How should I store leftover Broccoli Feta Soup?
You can store leftover Broccoli Feta Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to let it cool completely before sealing it. When ready to enjoy again, reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
Can I freeze Broccoli Feta Soup, and if so, how?
Yes, you can freeze Broccoli Feta Soup! Allow the soup to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge, and reheat over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable stock if necessary to reach your desired consistency.
What if my soup is too thick after reheating?
Very much! If your soup thickens when reheating, simply stir in a little warm vegetable stock or water until you reach the desired consistency. This will bring back the creamy texture while preserving the delightful flavors of your Broccoli Feta Soup.
Are there any allergies I should consider with this soup?
Definitely! This recipe contains dairy from the feta cheese, so if you’re preparing it for someone with lactose intolerance or a dairy allergy, you might consider omitting the feta or using a plant-based substitute. For those with gluten sensitivities, ensure that the ditalini pasta is gluten-free.
Can I use different types of cheese instead of feta?
The more the merrier! While feta brings a unique tanginess, you can substitute it with other cheeses like goat cheese for a different flavor profile. Just be mindful that this will alter the soup’s taste and overall creaminess!
Creamy Broccoli Feta Soup for a Cozy Weeknight Dinner
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large stock pot. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and red chili flakes, stirring for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine the potatoes, broccoli florets, vegetable stock, salt, and pepper in the pot. Bring to a boil, then lower heat, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes.
- Blend the soup with a hand blender until smooth, leaving some chunks for texture.
- Add the ditalini pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente, stirring often.
- Stir in the crumbled feta and chopped parsley, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with more feta and red chili flakes.