Creamy American Broccoli Soup: A Weekly Favorite!

### Instructions: How to Make Creamy American Broccoli Soup

#### 1. **Sauté the Aromatics**
Begin by heating **1 tablespoon of olive oil** and **2 tablespoons of butter** in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the **chopped onion** and sauté until it becomes translucent, about **3-4 minutes**. Add the **minced garlic** and continue to sauté for an additional **30 seconds** until the garlic becomes fragrant.

#### 2. **Cook the Broccoli**
Add the **broccoli florets** to the pot and sauté for **5-7 minutes**, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli softens slightly and becomes a vibrant green. This step helps to bring out the flavor of the broccoli before adding the liquid.

#### 3. **Add Broth and Simmer**
Pour in the **vegetable or chicken broth** and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about **10-12 minutes**, or until the broccoli is tender and easily pierced with a fork. At this point, you can add the **dried thyme**, if using, for extra flavor.

#### 4. **Blend the Soup**
Once the broccoli is tender, it’s time to blend the soup. If you have an **immersion blender**, you can directly blend the soup in the pot until it’s smooth and creamy. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a **regular blender**. Be sure to let the soup cool slightly before blending to avoid splashes. Blend until the soup reaches a creamy consistency.

#### 5. **Make it Creamy**
After blending, return the soup to the pot (if using a regular blender) and stir in the **heavy cream**. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mix **1 tablespoon of flour** with a little water to create a slurry, then add it to the soup. Let the soup simmer for another **5 minutes** to allow the flavors to meld together.

#### 6. **Adjust Seasonings**
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with **salt** and **pepper** to your liking. If you’d like, stir in **grated Parmesan cheese** for a richer flavor.

#### 7. **Serve and Enjoy**
Ladle the creamy soup into bowls and serve hot. For a garnish, you can add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese, some fresh herbs like parsley, or a drizzle of olive oil. This soup is perfect with a side of crusty bread or a light salad.

### Tips for Perfecting Creamy American Broccoli Soup

1. **Use Fresh Broccoli**: While frozen broccoli can be used, fresh broccoli tends to give a better texture and flavor to the soup.

2. **For a Thicker Soup**: If you prefer a thicker soup, blend half of the broccoli first and then add the remaining broccoli florets for texture. Alternatively, you can use the flour slurry mentioned earlier to help thicken the soup.

3. **Adjust the Creaminess**: If you prefer a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of cream or substitute it with **half-and-half**, **milk**, or even **almond milk** for a dairy-free version.

4. **Add Extra Veggies**: Feel free to add extra vegetables like **carrots**, **potatoes**, or **spinach** to the soup to boost its nutritional value and flavor.

5. **Make it Vegan**: For a vegan version, swap the **heavy cream** for **coconut milk** or **cashew cream**, and replace the **butter** with olive oil. You can also leave out the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.

6. **Storage**: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to **4 days** or frozen for **up to 3 months**. Just reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of broth or water if the soup thickens too much during storage.

### Why You Should Try Creamy American Broccoli Soup

1. **Nutritious and Wholesome**: Broccoli is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants. This soup is a great way to add more veggies to your diet without compromising on taste.

2. **Quick and Easy**: With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cooking time of around 25-30 minutes, this soup is a fast option for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

3. **Comforting and Satisfying**: The creamy texture and rich flavors make this soup the ultimate comfort food. It’s perfect for warming up on a cold day or for a cozy meal with loved ones.

4. **Customizable to Taste**: Whether you like it extra creamy, spicy, or cheesy, this soup is highly customizable to suit your personal preferences.

### Conclusion

**Creamy American Broccoli Soup** is the epitome of comfort food—hearty, creamy, and packed with flavor. It’s the perfect dish to warm you up and satisfy your hunger without being overly heavy. Easy to prepare and versatile enough to suit any dietary needs, this soup is sure to become a weekly favorite in your household. Serve it on its own, with a side of bread, or as an appetizer to a larger meal, and enjoy the deliciousness in every spoonful.