American Cuisine, Soup & Stews
Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup Creamy & Delicious
Get ready to indulge in a warm and comforting bowl of Vegan Broccoli “Cheddar” Soup that’s not only healthy but also incredibly delicious. With its creamy and cheesy texture, this recipe is a perfect imitation of the popular soup from Panera, but without any dairy products. It’s a staple in our household and makes the perfect lunch, whether served alone or with a mouthwatering vegan grilled cheese sandwich. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up this savory soup with simple ingredients, a large cooking pot, and a blender. Don’t hesitate any longer and treat your taste buds to this delightful vegan broccoli cheddar cheese soup 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.
- Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is useful for stirring the soup as it simmers.
- Ladle: Use a ladle to serve the soup.
How to Make This Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
- Begin by soaking the cashews in boiling water for about 10 minutes, then drain them.
- Add the soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and water into a blender. Blend on high until it becomes smooth and creamy. Set it aside.
- In a large pot on medium heat, add a couple of tablespoons of vegetable broth along with the onions and celery. Cook for about 3 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for another 2 minutes. The vegetable broth helps to prevent the onions and veggies from sticking to the pan. If needed, add a little more broth as you go along. Alternatively, you can use 2 tablespoons of oil instead of broth.
- Add the rest of the broth along with the pre-blended cashew cream. Mix it well, then add in the broccoli, carrot, nutmeg, and turmeric. Let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- If desired, add in the vegan cheddar and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Once the soup has thickened to your desired consistency, add salt and pepper to taste. Serve with your favorite garnishes, such as croutons and parsley.
Tips & Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks that can help you make the best Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup possible:
- 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: Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup
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
- 1 cup soaked cashews
- 3 ¼ cup vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- ½ cup nutritional yeast
- ½ to 1 cup vegan cheddar optional but SO good!
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ onion diced
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 3 cups finely chopped broccoli
- 1 large carrot cut into little slivers
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp turmeric (optional)
- salt and pepper to taste
GARNISHES (optional)
- croutons
- parsley
Instructions
- 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.
- In a large pot on medium heat, add in a little veg broth (a couple tablespoons) with the onions and celery. Cook for about 3 minutes then add the garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.
- The vegetable broth prevents the onions and veggies from sticking to the pan. You may need to add a little more as you go along. If you prefer oil, 2 tbsps can be used instead.
- Add the rest of your broth along with the pre-blended cashew cream. Mix it up then add in the broccoli, carrot, nutmeg, and turmeric. Simmer for 15 mins. Then if you want to add cheddar – add that in and simmer for another 5 minutes. Once the soup is nice and thick, add your salt and pepper and serve with your favourite garnishes!
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Conclusion
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!