Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup Without Heavy Cream: A Warm, Comforting, and Healthy Delight

This article provides a comprehensive guide to making a delicious and healthy keto broccoli cheese soup without heavy cream. It covers various recipes, tips, and tricks to ensure a satisfying and flavorful experience. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a comforting dinner, this soup is a perfect choice.

Introduction

When the weather turns cooler, nothing beats a warm and creamy soup. This keto broccoli cheese soup is designed to be both satisfying and healthy, without relying on heavy cream. It's an excellent option for those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet, or anyone simply looking for a lighter version of this classic comfort food. The recipes provided are easy to follow and utilize simple techniques and high-quality ingredients to maximize flavor and texture.

Why Make Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup?

This soup is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while enjoying a creamy and cheesy flavor. Broccoli is packed with vitamins and fiber, making this soup not only delicious but also nutritious. It's also a versatile recipe that can be easily adapted to suit different dietary needs and preferences.

Key Ingredients and Their Benefits

• Broccoli: The star of the show, broccoli is rich in vitamins C and K, potassium, and fiber, offering numerous health benefits such as improved digestion, reduced inflammation, and boosted immunity. Opt for fresh broccoli florets for the best flavor and texture. Avoid florets that are yellowing. You can also use frozen broccoli.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a bold, tangy flavor and creamy texture to the soup. For the best results, use high-quality cheddar cheese blocks and shred them yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often contains potato starch, which can prevent it from melting smoothly into the soup.
• Chicken Broth: Provides a savory base for the soup. Less sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth is recommended.
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatics add depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
• Butter: Used for sautéing the vegetables and adding richness to the soup.
• Spices: Salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper enhance the overall flavor. Some recipes also include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried herbs.
• Nutritional Yeast: An optional ingredient for vegan versions, nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor and is high in protein and B vitamins.
• Cashew Cream: A dairy-free alternative to heavy cream, cashew cream adds creaminess to vegan versions of the soup.

Recipe 1: Classic Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup

This recipe provides a straightforward method for making a creamy and flavorful keto broccoli cheese soup on the stovetop.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
• 1½ pounds broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 cup heavy cream or whipping cream
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. If using garlic, add it and cook for 1 more minute.
2. Add Broccoli and Broth: Add the broccoli florets, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and chicken broth to the pot. Gently press the broccoli down into the liquid to ensure it's covered as much as possible.
3. Simmer: Put the lid on the pot and turn the heat down to low. Simmer until the broccoli is completely cooked and the soup mixture is heated through. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
4. Add Cream Cheese and Cream: Stir the cream cheese into the soup until it's fully incorporated. Add the heavy cream or whipping cream and bring to a warm temperature over low heat.
5. Melt the Cheese: Once the soup is fully heated, reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, while constantly stirring. Ensure the cheese is fully melted before adding more.
6. Serve: Serve warm and enjoy! Top with more shredded cheddar and pre-cooked bacon, if desired.

Recipe 2: Vegan Keto Broccoli Soup

This recipe offers a dairy-free and vegan alternative to traditional broccoli cheese soup, utilizing nutritional yeast and cashew cream for a cheesy and creamy texture.

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 200g celery, chopped
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 454g broccoli florets, chopped (1 pound)
• 2 cups vegetable stock (I used Better Than Bouillion)
• 1.5 cups cashew cream (I blended 1/4 cup (30g) cashews with 1.5 cups water)
• ¼ cup nutritional yeast
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes and smoked paprika for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Sauté the Celery: Heat the oil in a heavy soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the celery and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened.
2. Add Spices: Stir in the garlic and onion powders and cook for another minute.
3. Add Broccoli and Stock: Add the broccoli, vegetable stock, and cashew cream. Cover and cook another 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli has completely softened.
4. Blend the Soup: Turn off the heat, add in the nutritional yeast, and blend the soup with an immersion blender until smooth. Alternatively, carefully pour the soup into a blender and blend until smooth.
5. Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Divide the soup among four bowls, and garnish with paprika and pepper, if desired.

Recipe 3: Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Evaporated Milk

This recipe uses evaporated milk to achieve a creamy texture without heavy cream.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium potato, peeled and diced (optional, for thickening)
• 400g/14ozs broccoli florets
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 200g/7ozs evaporated milk
• 2 tablespoons flour (optional, for thickening)
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat butter in a large pot on medium heat and add the onion and sauté until translucent. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
2. Add Vegetables and Stock: Add the potato (if using), stock, and broccoli. Simmer until tender, around 20 minutes (depending on how small you've cut the broccoli florets).
3. Thicken the Soup: Whisk the evaporated milk with flour (if using) and add to the pot. Stir and allow the soup to thicken.
4. Add Cheese and Season: Add the grated cheese and Dijon mustard. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
5. Serve: Serve with warm bread.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup

• Use High-Quality Cheese: Always opt for block cheese and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose or potato starch, which can affect the melting process.
• Melt Cheese Gradually: Add the shredded cheese gradually, a handful at a time, while stirring constantly over low heat. This will ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
• Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, add a pinch of xanthan gum or simmer uncovered for a few minutes to let it reduce naturally.
• Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before adding it to the soup. This helps it break down more easily and incorporate smoothly.
• Blend for Creaminess: Use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup for a quick second or two to achieve a creamier texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, remove about 1-2 cups of soup and blend it in a regular blender before adding it back to the pot.
• Don't Overcook the Broccoli: Overcooked broccoli can become mushy and lose its flavor. Simmer until it's tender but still slightly firm.
• Season to Taste: Taste the soup throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as needed.
• Add Greens: This keto version of a broccoli soup with added greens and a hint of lemon will linger on your taste buds with each spoonful.

Serving Suggestions

• Low Carb Bread: Pair this creamy soup with a side of low carb bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Side Salad: A fresh side salad complements the richness of the soup.
• Cauliflower Fritters: These make a delicious and keto-friendly accompaniment.
• Cheddar Biscuits: Serve with cheddar biscuits for a comforting combination.
• Half Sandwich: Enjoy with a half sandwich for lunch.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerate: Refrigerate leftovers for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
• Reheat: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring often.
• Freeze: To freeze, let the soup cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

Nutritional Information

While nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and brands, this soup is generally low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats, making it suitable for a ketogenic diet. To calculate net carbs, subtract the grams of fiber from the total grams of carbohydrates in the recipe.

Adapting the Recipe

• Add Protein: For those who don’t observe Lent, consider adding cooked bacon, shredded chicken, or sausage to the soup for added protein.
• Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or add red pepper flakes for a spicier soup.
• Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheddar cheese, such as sharp, mild, or smoked, to customize the flavor. You can also add a touch of Parmesan cheese for extra depth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Adding Cold Cheese: Adding cold cheese directly to the hot soup can cause it to clump. Ensure the cheese is at room temperature or slightly warmed before adding it.
• Boiling the Soup After Adding Cheese: Boiling the soup after adding cheese can cause it to separate and become grainy. Keep the heat low and stir gently until the cheese is melted.
• Using Too Much Thickener: Overusing thickeners like xanthan gum or flour can result in a gummy texture. Use sparingly and adjust as needed.
• Skipping the Aromatics: Onions and garlic are essential for building flavor in the soup. Don't skip sautéing them at the beginning.

Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide

Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto

tags: #keto #broccoli #cheese #soup #without #heavy