Young Asiago and Broccoli Soup with Black Pepper Croutons
Our broccoli-cheese soup is made brighter and a bit more elegant than the classic version from childhood with peppery homemade croutons, crumbles of Asiago, and a dash of fresh lemon.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter divided
- 2 cups diced country bread
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 medium russet potato peeled and diced
- 2 stalks broccoli stems and florets
- chopped separately
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 1½ cups cubed Asiago
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Warm 2 tablespoons butter in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the diced bread and cook, tossing, until toasted and golden brown, about 10 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Warm the remaining butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté, stirring frequently, until tender and translucent, about 8 minutes. Add the potato, broccoli stems, and stock. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer 10 minutes. Add the broccoli
- florets, and simmer until the broccoli is very tender, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the Asiago. Season with lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste. Remove the pot from the heat. Puree the soup in a blender, adding more stock or water if necessary to yield a smooth consistency. Spoon each serving into a bowl, and float the croutons on top.
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Caroline Wright
Caroline Wright is a food writer, a cook, and the author of Twenty-Dollar, Twenty-Minute Meals, a collection of fresh and simple recipes for the busy cook.
