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Hearty Garlic Italian Broccoli Soup: A Quick Dinner Idea

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This Garlic Italian Broccoli Soup is a vibrant, heartwarming bowl of comfort that combines robust garlic with Italian herbs and tender broccoli. It’s a flavorful and wholesome dish perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 to 2 pounds fresh broccoli, trimmed into bite-sized pieces and reserved stems
  • 8–10 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • Beef Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 carrots, finely diced
  • 2 celery stalks, finely diced
  • 4–6 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1–2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
  • Extra virgin olive oil, for sautéing and drizzling
  • Fresh Italian parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat, leaving a tablespoon or two in the pot. Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate and set aside.
  2. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
  3. Add the minced fresh garlic to the pot and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Pour in a splash of chicken or vegetable broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and the Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
  5. Pour in the remaining chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes.
  6. Add the fresh broccoli florets and chopped tender stems to the simmering soup. If using frozen broccoli, add it now too. Cook uncovered for another 8-10 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
  7. Return the cooked beef Italian sausage to the pot. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Taste the soup and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  8. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. For an extra touch, swirl in a tablespoon of heavy cream or a plant-based cream alternative, if desired. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic to your taste. For a vegetarian option, omit the sausage and add white beans or lentils for protein. Serve with crusty Italian bread for dipping.

Find it online: https://crumella.com/hearty-garlic-italian-broccoli-soup-a-quick-dinner-idea/