Early spring can be frustrating. Sometimes the temperatures are warm, but then they suddenly plummet, making you wonder if warm weather will ever arrive. Soup is a wonderful staple for chilly nights, as it comforts your heart and warms your belly. We love this delightful vegan cream of broccoli variety—thick, nourishing, inexpensive, and easy to make. Your kitchen will smell wonderful, and you won’t mind holding onto winter just a little bit longer.

INGREDIENTS
Olive oil for pan
2 ½ cups finely chopped broccoli florets
1/3 cup finely chopped carrots
1/3 cup chopped celery
1/3 cup chopped onion
1-2 minced garlic cloves
¼ teaspoon sea salt (not the iodized variety!)
3 tablespoons gluten-free flour (we used Bob’s Red Mill garbanzo flour. Hearty and delicious!)
1 ½ cup vegetable broth (check labels, make sure it’s gluten-free)
1 ¼ cup plant-based milk (We used a combination of coconut and almond milks)
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
Salt and pepper to taste
Pinch of cumin

INSTRUCTIONS
Heat olive oil in medium-sized soup pan. Add broccoli, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic and sauté for 5-10 minutes. Onions should be slightly browned. Add flour and toss into vegetables. Stir for 1-2 minutes, then add vegetable broth and plant-based milk. Sprinkle in nutritional yeast. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and cumin. Simmer vegetables for 10-15 minutes, until they are slightly tender.

Remove from heat and pour into a blender or food processor. Mix until pureed. Your soup should be thick and creamy. Pour directly into bowls and dig in!

We like to make broccoli croutons for topping. They’re easy—cut up a few more florets, sprinkle with sea salt, and fry on stovetop for a few minutes. Start on low heat. When broccoli becomes tender, turn up the heat and continue frying until browned on both sides. Be sure to flip the broccoli several times. It should be slightly crispy. Remove from stove, drain off excess olive oil, and sprinkle your croutons on top of the soup.

Other great toppings include shredded vegan cheese, shaved carrots, and/or an extra drizzle of olive oil. Serve alone or with a side salad and/or loaf of gluten-free garlic bread. Unbelievably tasty! This hearty soup serves 2-3 people, but feel free to increase portion sizes if you’re entertaining more guests. No one will want to leave your house. Stay warm! Nicer weather is just around the corner.

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