Broccoli and Cauliflower Soup

This easy Broccoli and Cauliflower Soup recipe makes a family friendly lunch in minutes. Use frozen vegetables to keep things super simple. The child friendly version of Broccoli Stilton Soup, packs a punch with two portions of vegetables and plenty of taste.

When the weather turns colder (or you buy a drafty old house like we just have!) it can be tricky to come up with healthy lunch recipes. Hello Broccoli and Cauliflower Soup!

I don’t know about you but when I’m cold the thought of a salad for lunch makes me colder. I’m trying to be healthier so I don’t want to turn to sandwiches every day, but I haven’t always got the time to create lavish lunches.

This is where soup comes in. It’s generally quick to make (or can be made in advance when you have time), is often super healthy and warms the soul.

How do you make Broccoli and Cauliflower Soup:

Soups can seem a little daunting but they are generally really simple once you get past all of the chopping required.

The beauty of this Broccoli and Cauliflower soup is that there is very little peeling required.

Firstly, wash and chop your broccoli and cauliflower into large florets. Then finely chop your onion and crush the garlic (or if you are feeling super lazy you can always use frozen pre chopped onion and garlic. I always keep these in the freezer for those days when I am rushing.)

You throw everything into the pan, along with your stock, salt and pepper.

Bring it all to the boil and then simmer for around 15 minutes or until the vegetables are softened. You then remove from the heat and add in milk and cheese and blend.

I have one of these hand blenders (also currently 30% off on Amazon whoop!), it is perfect for this Broccoli and Cauliflower soup and also even makes amazing, totally lump free mashed potatoes.

Is soup healthy? Can I lose weight by eating soup?

Soup is often a really healthy lunch (or dinner option).

Vegetable soups in particular are an ideal choice when trying to lose weight. This soup contains around 250 calories per bowl (removing the cheese and crouton garnish reduces this further). Vegetables contain fibre which is an essential part of a healthy diet, fibre also helps you feel fuller for longer, which helps curb those mid afternoon cravings.

If you are following the Slimming World plan then by removing the cheese and milk this soup would be completely Syn FREE on Slimming World.

If you do want to use the cheese then I would recommend adding blue cheese (like stilton) for extra bite and flavour. You could also leave out the milk, and just add the same amount of water. If you want to keep the recipe exactly as it is then just count your Syns.

You can find lots more of my Slimming World friendly lunch recipes here, like Crustless Quiche and Skinny Stuffed Cheese and Bacon Potato Skins.

How long can you keep Broccoli and Cauliflower soup for?

Broccoli and Cauliflower Soup can be cooked and kept in an air tight container for around 3-4 days in the fridge.

This is perfect make ahead or batch cook recipe. It just needs reheating on the hob until cooked through for around 5 minutes before serving.

You can also freeze the soup in an air tight container for 2-3 months. You should defrost it over night in the fridge before reheating.

The most space efficient way of storing your frozen Broccoli and Cauliflower soup is to put it into thick freezer bags (like the one pictured below) as you can stack lots together.

I really like these freezer bags from Lakeland (on Amazon). They are so thick that I sometimes reuse them to reduce the plastic waste.

TIPS FOR MAKING BROCCOLI AND CAULIFLOWER SOUP:

• This Broccoli and Cauliflower Soup recipe makes a perfect take to work lunch or snack. These soup mugs are ideal and no spills if you’re travelling.
• You can use vegetable or chicken stock in this Broccoli and Cauliflower soup, depending on your preference. If you like a thinner soup, add slightly more, or less for a thicker heartier version. Homemade stock is always preferable but if you haven’t got any then choose the best quality you can find. I like Marigold Boullion Powder.

• You can put any cheese you like into this soup, it would be delicious with Parmesan, Stilton or Gruyere, or a combination! It is a great way of using up leftover bits of cheese in your fridge.

• Whilst this Broccoli and Cauliflower soup was made on the hob you could also use a slow cooker. It would cook on high in approx 3-4 hours, or low 5-6. It makes the perfect lunch after a winters walk.

Fancy some other easy soup recipes? How about my Easy Meatball Soup or my Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwiches?

Hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do. I’d love to know how you got on and what you thought of it if you make this Broccoli and Cauliflower Soup recipe. Please rate the recipe and leave me a comment below if you do.

Also, if you fancy showing me a photo by tagging me on Instagram (@tamingtwins) I LOVE to see your creations.

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