Creamy broccoli soup paired with delicious roasted garlic crostini is a perfect combination of flavors that will leave your taste buds craving more. This recipe offers an elegant yet simple way to enjoy a comforting and nutritious meal.
#### Ingredients
- **For the Soup:**
- 2 heads of fresh broccoli, chopped into florets
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (reserve one clove for crostini)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- **For the Crostini:**
- 12 slices of artisanal bread
- 3 large cloves garlic, roasted
- Olive oil for brushing
#### Equipment Needed:
- Blender
- Roasting pan
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Skillet or saucepan
### Step-by-Step Instructions
**Roasted Garlic Crostini:**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. **Prepare Garlic:** Peel the cloves of garlic, leaving them whole.
3. **Roast Garlic:** Place the garlic cloves in a small roasting pan and drizzle with olive oil. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and roast for about 20 minutes until soft and fragrant.
4. **Prepare Bread:** While the garlic is roasting, slice your bread into thin slices (about 1/4 inch thick).
5. **Toast Crostini:** Heat a skillet over medium heat. Brush each slice of bread with olive oil and toast on both sides until golden brown. Remove from heat.
**Creamy Broccoli Soup:**
1. **Sauté Onions and Garlic:** In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
2. **Add Remaining Garlic:** Peel and mince one of the cloves of garlic left from the crostini preparation, then add to the pan with onions. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. **Cook Broccoli:** Add the broccoli florets, broth, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until the broccoli is tender.
4. **Blend Soup:** Using an immersion blender, blend the soup directly in the pot to achieve a smooth consistency. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a regular blender, blending in batches, and return it to the pot.
5. **Season with Cream and Seasoning:** Stir in the heavy cream and additional salt and pepper as needed. Heat through over low heat but do not boil.
**Assembly:**
1. **Serve:** Ladle the creamy broccoli soup into bowls or glasses. Top each serving with a toasted crostini slice, garnished with roasted garlic cloves.
2. **Optional Garnish:** Sprinkle a bit of grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs like parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
### Tips & Variations
- For a richer taste, you can use full-fat dairy products instead of low-fat options.
- Experiment with different types of bread—sourdough or baguette slices would also work wonderfully!
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the soup for a subtle warmth and complexity.
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By following these steps, you'll create a delicious cream broccoli soup served on creamy roasted garlic crostini that’s perfect for any cozy evening meal. Enjoy your culinary adventure!