Peas Be Seated: Creamy Broccoli Soup

Grab this

• 1 tablespoon (15 mL) olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion (150 g), diced
• 2 garlic cloves (6 g), finely chopped
• 1 medium potato (250 g), peeled and cut into 1 cm cubes
• 600 g broccoli, cut into small florets; peel and dice the tender stalks separately
• 3 cups (750 mL) low-sodium vegan vegetable broth
• 2 cups (300 g) frozen green peas
• 1 cup (250 mL) unsweetened plain soy milk
• 2 tablespoons (30 mL) lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Do this

1. Dice the onion, garlic and potato, then separate the broccoli florets from the peeled, diced stalks. Keep the peas frozen until needed.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened but not browned. Add the garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
3. Add the potato, diced broccoli stalks and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a steady simmer and cover. Cook for 10 minutes, until the potato is almost tender.
4. Add the broccoli florets, cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 3 minutes, until the broccoli and potato are easily pierced with a fork and the peas are hot. If the potato is still firm, simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Lift out about 1/2 cup of small broccoli florets and peas with a slotted spoon and set aside for the topping. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the soy milk.
6. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until creamy, keeping the blade submerged to prevent hot splashes. If using a jug blender, allow the soup to cool until no longer steaming heavily, work in small batches, never fill more than halfway, vent the lid as directed by the manufacturer and never blend hot soup in a sealed personal blender.
7. Return the soup to low heat if needed and warm gently without boiling. Stir in the lemon juice, salt and pepper. Divide among four bowls and top with the reserved broccoli and peas. Serve hot. The 35-minute timing assumes an immersion blender.