The Best Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup

 The Best Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup is a creamy, comforting soup that’s rich in flavor, with the same velvety texture of traditional broccoli cheese soup, but without any dairy. Made with cashews or plant-based cheese, it’s perfect for those following a vegan or dairy-free diet. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium carrot, chopped

1 medium potato, peeled and diced (for creaminess)

4 cups broccoli florets (about 2 heads of broccoli)

3 cups vegetable broth

1 cup unsweetened almond milk or other plant-based milk

1/2 cup raw cashews (soaked for at least 4 hours or use unsweetened cashew butter)

1/4 cup nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor)

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for tang)

1/2 teaspoon turmeric (optional, for color)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the aromatics:

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the garlic and chopped carrot, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.

2. Add the potato and broth:

Stir in the diced potato and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 10-12 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.

3. Add the broccoli:

Add the broccoli florets and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until they are tender but still bright green.

4. Blend the soup:

If you have a high-powered blender, carefully transfer the soup to the blender in batches. Add the soaked cashews (or cashew butter) and almond milk to the soup and blend until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a chunky texture, blend only part of the soup and leave some broccoli intact for texture. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot.

5. Add the cheesy flavors:

Return the soup to the pot if you used a blender. Stir in the nutritional yeast, Dijon mustard (if using), turmeric, salt, and pepper. Simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

6. Finish with lemon juice:

For extra brightness, stir in fresh lemon juice, and taste for seasoning, adjusting with more salt or pepper if needed.

7. Serve:

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.

The Best Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup is indulgently creamy, with the cheesy flavor provided by nutritional yeast and cashews, and a comforting combination of vegetables. It’s rich in plant-based goo

dness, making it the perfect healthy, satisfying meal for all to enjoy!