Healthy & Delicious Creamy Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Craving a warm,  cheesy hug in a bowl but looking for a vegan option? Look no further than this creamy vegan broccoli cheddar soup recipe! This plant-based version captures all the comforting flavors of the classic soup without any dairy products.

Packed with broccoli florets and a rich, cheesy sauce,  this soup is perfect for a cozy night in or a light lunch. Even better,  it's surprisingly easy to make,  making it a great recipe for beginner cooks.

Creamy Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe 

Creamy Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Understanding the Vegan Magic: Key Ingredients for Creamy Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup

So foodies the key to a successful vegan broccoli cheddar soup lies in understanding how to create a creamy base and a cheesy flavor without dairy products. Here are the all-stars of this recipe:

1) Cashews: These little powerhouses are soaked and blended to create a smooth, luxurious base for the soup. Cashews add a subtle nutty flavor that complements the broccoli beautifully.

2) Nutritional Yeast: This deactivated yeast is a goldmine for vegans! It boasts a cheesy,  nutty flavor that adds incredible depth to the soup. 

3) Potatoes: Not only do potatoes add heartiness to the soup,  but they also help thicken it naturally. Potatoes also add a touch of creaminess when blended.

4) Plant-Based Milk: Choose your favorite unsweetened plant-based milk,  like almond milk,  oat milk,  or cashew milk. Plant-Based Milk add a touch of creaminess and dilute the blended vegetables for the perfect consistency.

5) Vegetable Broth: This forms the flavorful base of the soup. Choose a low-sodium vegetable broth for more control over the final taste. 

6) Vegan Cheddar Cheese (Optional): While not strictly necessary,  some brands of vegan cheddar cheese can add an extra layer of cheesy goodness. Look for varieties made with nuts,  tapioca starch,  or nutritional yeast. 

Ingredients Of Creamy Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe 

Now that you know the secret ingredients, let's put them to work! Here's a detailed guide to making this delicious soup:

1) ½ cup raw cashews

2) 2 tablespoons olive oil

3) 1 small onion,  diced

4) 1 large carrot,  chopped

5) 4-5 cloves garlic,  minced

6) 5 cups broccoli florets cut into small,  bite-sized pieces and stalks cut into 1-inch pieces

7) 2 medium yellow potatoes,  peeled and diced

8) 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

9) 1 ¼- 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt,  or to taste

10) 3 ½ cups water

11) ¼-⅓ cup nutritional yeast

12) 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk

13) 1 cup vegan cheddar cheese,  shredded (optional)

14) Freshly ground black pepper,  to taste

Instructions

1. Soak the Cashews: In a small bowl,  cover the cashews with hot water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes,  or until softened. 

2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion,  carrot,  and garlic. Sauté for 4-5 minutes,  or until the onions are translucent and softened.

3. Add the Vegetables and Broth: Add the chopped broccoli florets,  stems,  diced potatoes,  Dijon mustard,  and salt to the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat,  cover the pot,  and simmer for 15-20 minutes,  or until the vegetables are tender.

4. Blend the Soup: While the vegetables simmer,  drain the cashews and rinse them briefly. Transfer the cooked vegetables and about half of the broth to a high-powered blender. Add the soaked cashews and nutritional yeast. Blend until smooth and creamy. You may need to add a little more broth to achieve the desired consistency.

5. Return the Soup to the Pot: Pour the blended soup back into the pot with the remaining vegetables and broth. Stir in the plant-based milk and vegan cheddar cheese (if using). Heat gently over medium-low heat until the cheese melts and the soup is heated through. 

6. Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasonings with additional salt and pepper,  if needed. Serve hot with your favorite crusty bread or vegan crackers for dipping.

Tips for the Perfect Creamy Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Making this creamy vegan broccoli cheddar soup is a breeze,  but here are some extra tips to ensure a restaurant-worthy outcome:

1) Don't Skip Soaking the Cashews: Soaking the cashews softens them significantly,  leading to a luxuriously smooth and creamy blend. If you're short on time,  you can try boiling them for 10 minutes instead of soaking. However,  the texture won't be quite as silky.

2) Adjust the Broth: The amount of broth you use will depend on your desired consistency. Start with less broth,  around 3 ½ cups,  and add more gradually until you reach a soup thickness you enjoy. Remember,  you can always add more broth,  but you can't take it away!

3) Be Patient with Blending: Take your time blending the soup in batches,  especially if you don't have a high-powered blender. This ensures a completely smooth texture without any unwanted lumps. 

5) Roast the Broccoli for Extra Flavor (Optional): For a deeper,  richer flavor profile,  consider roasting the broccoli florets for 15-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C) before adding them to the soup. Roasting caramelizes the natural sugars in the broccoli,  adding a touch of sweetness and complexity.

6) Sautéing Matters: Don't rush the sautéing step! Sautéing the onions,  carrots,  and garlic for a few minutes allows them to soften and release their aromatics,  which adds depth of flavor to the entire soup.

7) Taste and Adjust Seasonings: As with any recipe,  taste your soup before serving and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Don't be shy with the salt and pepper! These are what really make the soup taste amazing.

8) Leftovers: This soup stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove top over medium heat,  adding a splash of broth or water if necessary to achieve your desired consistency.

By following these simple tips,  you'll be well on your way to creating a creamy vegan broccoli cheddar soup that's both comforting and incredibly flavorful!

Final Thoughts

So foodies in the end all I can say is that,  this homemade creamy vegan broccoli cheddar soup recipe offers a delightful twist on a classic favorite. With its smooth texture and rich flavors,  this dish shows that plant-based meals can be just as satisfying and indulgent as any other. So foodies,  by using wholesome ingredients and straightforward techniques,  you can create a comforting and delicious bowl that's also nutritious. Whether you're a dedicated vegan or just want to add more vegetables to your diet,  this recipe will delight your taste buds and leave you feeling nourished. So why not give it a try and savor the goodness of homemade goodness today!