Craving a comforting bowl of creamy broccoli soup but short on time? Your Instant Pot is your new best friend! This recipe delivers a luxuriously creamy, flavorful soup in a fraction of the time it takes on the stovetop. Forget about tedious chopping and simmering; let the Instant Pot work its magic, leaving you with a delicious and healthy meal ready in minutes.
What Makes Instant Pot Broccoli Soup So Great?
The Instant Pot excels at creating creamy soups. The pressure cooking method tenderizes the broccoli perfectly, releasing its natural sweetness and creating a naturally thickened broth. This eliminates the need for added thickeners like flour or cornstarch, resulting in a lighter, healthier soup. The speed is another huge advantage – you’ll have a flavorful, satisfying meal on the table faster than traditional methods allow.
How to Make the Perfect Instant Pot Cream of Broccoli Soup
This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be customized to your taste. Feel free to experiment with additions like different cheeses, spices, or even roasted vegetables for extra depth of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 cup milk (or cream for an extra creamy texture)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Sauté: Set your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" function. Add olive oil, then add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Pressure Cook: Add the broccoli florets and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir in salt and pepper. Secure the lid and set the valve to "Sealing." Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, followed by a 5-minute natural pressure release. Then, carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
- Blend: Carefully transfer the soup to a blender (or use an immersion blender directly in the pot). Add the milk (or cream) and Parmesan cheese (if using). Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Return the soup to the Instant Pot (if using an immersion blender, this step is unnecessary) and heat through on the "Warm" setting. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese, a swirl of cream, or chopped fresh chives, if desired.
Troubleshooting Common Instant Pot Broccoli Soup Issues
My soup is too thick.
If your soup is thicker than you prefer, simply add a little more milk or broth until you reach your desired consistency.
My soup is too thin.
If your soup is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered on the "Sauté" function for a few minutes to reduce some of the liquid. Alternatively, you can stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water to thicken it.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the Instant Pot on the "Warm" setting.
Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely! Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or celery for extra flavor and nutrients. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, depending on the cooking time of the added vegetables.
This recipe provides a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a classic comfort food. The Instant Pot makes the process effortless, leaving you with more time to enjoy your meal. Try it today and experience the convenience and deliciousness for yourself!
