Broccoli and cheese Soup

This broccoli and cheese soup with oh-so-bacony croutons is perfect for this cooler weather – it’s sure to warm the cockles of your heart every time!!

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion peeled and chopped
1 large head of broccoli outer leaves discarded, chopped into small florets
1 regular head of cauliflower outer leaves discarded, chopped into small florets
3 packed cups kale
4 1/4 cups hot vegetable or chicken stock
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1 packed cup of mature cheddar, grated
1/4 cup double (heavy) cream
1 tsp lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Croutons:
1 tbsp vegetable oil to fry the croutons
half of a ciabatta cut into chunky cubes
pinch of salt and pepper

Other Toppings:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp double (heavy) cream
pinch of chilli flakes
1/4 cup baby salad leaves

Method
STEP 1
Heat the olive oil in a large pan and fry the onion gently for 4-5 minutes until it starts to go translucent.
Add in the broccoli, cauliflower, stock and garlic salt. Bring to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes.

STEP 2
Add in the kale and simmer for a further 5 minutes.

STEP 3
Whilst the soup is cooking, make the croutons. Heat the oil in a small frying pan over a high heat.
Add the bread cubes, salt and pepper and fry to 3-4 minutes, turning often until golden and crispy. Remove from the pan and place on kitchen paper to soak up excess oil.

STEP 4
Take the soup off the heat and carefully whizz using a hand blender.
Put back on the heat, add in the cheese and cream and stir until the cheese has melted. Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.

STEP 5
Divide between bowls and swirl in a little olive oil and cream. Sprinkle on the croutons and chilli flakes and arrange a few baby salad leaves on top.

 

Recipe by Kitchen Sanctuary