Ingredients
Method
- Soak almonds 8–12 hours for maximum creaminess or blanch them 5 minutes in boiling water and remove skins for speed.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then sauté onion and garlic 4–5 minutes until glossy and lightly golden.
- Add diced broccoli stems and cook 2 minutes to start softening fibers.
- Pour in vegetable broth and add soaked or blanched almonds, then simmer 8–10 minutes until stems are tender and nuts plump.
- Fold in broccoli florets and simmer only 3–4 minutes to preserve bright green color and slightly crisp texture.
- Remove from heat and blend with a hand blender until smooth and silky; or use a countertop blender in batches, venting the lid and covering with a towel.
- Thin soup with a few tablespoons of broth or almond milk to reach desired consistency.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon; stir in nutritional yeast if desired.
- Optional: garnish with toasted almond flakes, croutons, chopped chives, a drizzle of olive oil or oat milk, and a final crack of black pepper.
- Serve warm as a starter or main course with a side of bread, grilled cheese, or salad.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days or freeze up to 3 months; reheat gently and thin with broth if necessary.
Notes
Add florets at the last 3–4 minutes of cooking to retain color and texture. Hand blender is safest for hot liquids; vent countertop blender carefully. Optional: substitute cashews for almonds for ultra-smooth texture or pepitas for nut-free version. Toast almond flakes in a dry skillet 3 minutes or air fry 3 minutes at 350°F for garnish. Croutons: bake bread cubes 10 minutes at 350°F or air fry 5 minutes at 350°F. Soup thickens after chilling; thin with broth or milk when reheating.
