florets from 1 large broccoli head, washed
1 large potato, peeled and cut into small chunks
1 celery stalk, cut into large chunks
1 small onion, peeled and cut into large chunks
1 carrot, peeled and cut into small chunks
1 garlic clove, peeled
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
950ml (32 oz) vegetable broth
salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste
1. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and cover the bottom with extra virgin olive oil.
2. Once the oil is heated, add the chopped potatoes, celery, onion, and carrot to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for a few minutes until the onions become translucent and the vegetables begin to soften.
3. Add the broccoli florets and the peeled garlic clove to the pot. Season with salt and black pepper according to your taste preferences. Stir the ingredients together.
4. Continue sautéing the mixture for another few minutes until the broccoli turns vibrant green and the vegetables are slightly tender.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth. If the broth doesn't cover at least three-quarters of the vegetables, add a little water until it does. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
6. Cover the pot and allow the broth to come to a gentle boil.
7. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and keep the pot covered. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the vegetables are fork-tender.
8. Once the vegetables are cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Allow the broth to stop bubbling before proceeding.
9. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Start from the bottom of the pot and move the blender slowly up and down through the mixture. Avoid blending above the liquid level to prevent splattering.
10. Alternatively, if using a traditional blender, allow the soup to cool slightly before transferring it in batches to the blender. Blend until smooth, exercising caution as blending hot liquids can cause splattering.
11. Serve the creamy vegetable soup hot, accompanied by bread, and optionally topped with vegan cheddar for an extra layer of flavor. Enjoy your comforting and nutritious meal!