Indulge in the comfort of a quick and easy Creamy Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup. This dairy-free delight, reminiscent of Panera’s classic, is a household favorite, ready in just 25 minutes. Treat yourself today!
Ingredients & Substitutions For This Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup
The soup is made with a delicious blend of plant-based ingredients. Cashews are soaked to give the soup a creamy texture, while vegetable broth and water are added to make it more liquid. Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor, and vegan cheddar can be added for even more cheesy goodness. Lemon juice adds a tangy kick, and onion and garlic provide savory notes.
The star of the soup is the finely chopped broccoli, which adds a healthy dose of fiber and nutrients. A large carrot is also included, cut into little slivers to add a touch of sweetness. Nutmeg and turmeric are used for seasoning, and salt and pepper are added to taste. For optional garnishes, croutons and parsley can be used to add texture and freshness to the dish.
How Do You Get The Plant-Based Cheddar Flavour In the Brocolli Soup?
One of the best things about this Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the delicious cheddar flavor, but you may be wondering how we achieve that without using dairy. The secret is in the nutritional yeast, which gives the soup a nutty and cheesy taste. You can also add store-bought vegan cheddar cheese to give it an extra cheesy kick. The nutritional yeast is also a great source of vitamin B12 and protein making this soup not only tasty but also healthy. So, give it a try and enjoy the delicious cheddar flavor without the guilt.
Helpful Tools
- Blender: To make the cashew cream base for the soup, you’ll need a blender to blend the soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and water together until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Large pot: A large pot is necessary to cook the soup in.
- Cutting board and knife: You’ll need these to chop the onions, garlic, broccoli, and carrot.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Crafting the “Cheesy” Cashew Cream
Discover the simple yet crucial steps to prepare the Cheesy Cashew Cream, a key element in making the soup irresistibly velvety.
Cooking Up the Soup Magic
Sautéing Aromatics
Begin the culinary journey by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery to build a flavorful base for the soup.
Adding the Broccoli and More
Introduce garlic, vegetable broth, and the pre-blended cashew cream, setting the stage for the star ingredient – broccoli. Uncover the secrets to achieving the perfect texture and taste.
Bringing It All Together
Witness the transformation as the soup simmers, and vegan cheddar melds into a velvety consistency. Discover the optional step for an even creamier experience.
- Begin by soaking cashews in boiling water for 10 minutes, then drain.
- In a blender, combine soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and water. Blend until smooth and creamy; set aside.
- In a large pot over medium heat, sauté olive oil, onion, carrots, and celery for 3 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Introduce vegetable broth and the pre-blended cashew cream. Mix well, then add broccoli, nutmeg, and turmeric.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes.
- Incorporate vegan cheddar, stirring until fully melted.
- For extra creaminess, blend 1-2 cups of the soup separately and reintroduce to the pot. Alternatively, use an immersion blender for a partial blend.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, garnish as desired, and relish in the delightful Creamy Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
Tips & Tricks
- Soak the cashews in boiling water for at least 10 minutes before blending to help them soften and become creamier.
- Use a high-speed blender to ensure the cashew cream is smooth and creamy.
- Cut the broccoli into small pieces to ensure it cooks evenly.
- If you like your soup chunky, reserve some of the chopped broccoli and add it in towards the end of cooking.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste. You can add more nutritional yeast for a cheesier flavor or adjust the amount of salt and pepper.
- If you want a creamier and thicker soup, add more cashews or vegan cheddar.
- Serve the soup with your favorite garnishes such as croutons, parsley, or vegan bacon bits.
FAQ:
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it before adding it to the soup.
You can try using other nuts such as almonds or macadamia nuts, but it may alter the flavor and texture of the soup.
Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing it.
Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Ingredients
- ½ onion diced
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cups finely chopped broccoli
- 1 large carrot cut into matchsticks (aka julienne)
- 1 rib celery, finely diced
- 3 ¼ cup chickenless broth or vegetable broth
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp turmeric (optional)
- salt and pepper to taste
- ½ to 1 cup vegan cheddar optional but SO good!
Garnishes (optional)
- croutons
- parsley
Vegan Cashew Cream
- 1 cup soaked cashews
- 2 cups water
- ½ cup nutritional yeast
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
"Cheesy" Cashew Cream
- Soak cashews in boiling water for about 10 minutes and then drain.
- Add the cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice and water into a blender. Blend on high till it’s smooth and creamy and set it aside.
Soup
- In a large pot on medium heat, add olive oil, onion, carrots and celery. Cook for about 3 minutes.
- Add in minced garlic, and cook for another minute.
- Add the vegetable broth along with the pre-blended cashew cream. Mix it up then add in the broccoli, nutmeg, and turmeric.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 15 mins.
- Add in vegan cheddar, and stir until it has melted fully.
- For a creamier soup, remove about 1-2 cups of the soup, add to a blender and blend until creamy. Then add back into the soup and stir to combine. (Or use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup.)
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, add your favourite garnishes and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Conclusion: Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Vegan broccoli cheddar soup is a delicious and healthy alternative to the classic soup. By using plant-based ingredients, you can enjoy all the creaminess and flavor of broccoli cheddar soup without any dairy or animal products. Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or just looking for a nutritious and satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to please.
This soup is soooo delicious. Taste exactly like broccoli cheddar soup! Can’t even tell it is vegan. It is sooooo yummy on it’s on or you can make it a bit heartier by added tofu, red peppers, green beans and sprouts!
Thank you so much for the feedback! So happy you loved the soup! 😊
Loved this soup!! So delicious
Thanks so much Paisley!
This cheddar vegan soup was super tasty and I made this pretty easily. I will be having this for lunch all week
Thanks so much Tiffany! So happy you can enjoy it all week.
Beautiful recipe
Thank you!
Delicious and pretty easy to make loved it 😊
Thanks Aubrey!
I’ve made several other broccoli soup recipes ( non vegan ) this one is easily the best
I think it must be the cashew cream. My wife loves it too. Thank you, keep up the great recipes.
Thanks so much for trying it out! it means a lot that you loved the recipe!
Loved this vegan broccoli cheddar soup the nooch was a nice addition. Great flavour and nice and healthy 😋
I’m thrilled you loved the vegan broccoli cheddar soup!Thanks for sharing your positive feedback!
This soup is excellent! What a treat to the tastebuds! We were visiting our daughter and son in law and like to make some food for them while they’re working-that’s the beauty of retirement!
This was a favourite for them! And us too!
Thanks for sharing these GREAT plant based recipes!
wow thank you SO much for your kind words!! I’m so thrilled everyone loved the soup. Making food for your family is one of the nicest things you can do! Thank you again 🙂
Best soup!! 🥣 so creamy and delicious 😋 broccoli 🥦 🧀 vegan 🌱
Thank you so much Anne! I’m so happy you enjoyed the soup it’s one of our favourites too 🙂