Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Before you begin cooking, it’s important to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. This will help the cooking process run smoothly.

Chop the onion and mince the garlic.

Slice the mushrooms into thin pieces.

Chop the broccoli into small florets, ensuring they are bite-sized.

Peel and dice the potato into small cubes.

Peel and chop the carrots into small rounds or half-moons.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

Stir occasionally to ensure the garlic doesn’t burn.

Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms

Once the onion and garlic are softened, add the sliced mushrooms to the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown slightly.

Mushrooms will shrink as they cook, and their natural moisture will be released, adding a rich flavor to the soup.

Step 4: Add the Vegetables

After the mushrooms are cooked, add the chopped carrots, diced potato, and broccoli florets to the pot. Stir everything together for a couple of minutes to combine.

The carrots and potatoes will add a nice sweetness and creaminess to the soup, while the broccoli provides a pop of color and fiber.

Step 5: Pour in the Broth and Seasonings

Add the vegetable broth (or chicken broth) to the pot, making sure the vegetables are covered. Stir in the dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat.

Once the soup starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the vegetables (especially the carrots and potatoes) are tender.

Step 6: Add the Milk and Cream

Once the vegetables are tender, stir in the milk (or plant-based milk) and the optional heavy cream for extra creaminess. Bring the soup back to a simmer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

If you prefer a creamier soup, you can blend the soup to your desired texture. Use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender.

Step 7: Blend (Optional)

If you prefer a smooth soup, now is the time to blend the soup. You can either:

Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup until smooth, leaving a bit of texture from the vegetables. Be careful not to over-blend, as you still want some chunky pieces to remain.

Or, transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender, blending until smooth. If you do this, return the soup to the pot afterward.

If you like a more chunky texture, simply leave the soup as is and skip the blending step.

Step 8: Adjust the Seasoning

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or thyme to suit your preference. If you like a little heat, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for added color and a burst of freshness. You can also serve it with a slice of crusty bread on the side to make it even more satisfying.

Tips for Perfect Mushroom Soup with Broccoli

Broccoli texture: If you prefer your broccoli to be softer, you can simmer it for a few more minutes. However, be careful not to overcook it, as it can lose its vibrant green color.

Vegan/vegetarian option: To make this soup vegan, simply replace the milk with a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and skip the heavy cream. You can also use a vegan broth.

Add a protein: For extra protein, consider adding cooked lentils, chickpeas, or tofu to the soup. These will blend well with the flavors and make the soup even heartier.

Make it spicy: If you enjoy a little spice, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper into the soup as it simmers.

Conclusion

Mushroom soup with broccoli is a healthy, filling, and comforting dish that can be prepared in just 30 minutes. The combination of earthy mushrooms, hearty broccoli, and creamy broth makes this vegetable soup both delicious and nourishing. Whether you prefer your soup smooth or chunky, this recipe is versatile and easy to customize. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for meal prepping in advance.

So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy a warm, bowl of this nourishing mushroom and broccoli soup today!