Man-Pleasing Broccoli Basil Soup with Goat Cheese

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I was going to call this post ‘The Soup For Soup-Haters’, but my conservatism in titles got the best of me. This is, however, a true statement.

Normally, my soup recipes are saved for nights my husband is at work, but this, my friends, is a delicious exception.

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This is my hubby’s favorite soup!…actually, the only one he has EVER requested I make. I’m not sure what gets him. The flavor of the basil pairs beautifully with broccoli and the soft goat cheese (aka chevre) gives it a creamy, slightly tangy finish…

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Paired with a salad and some fresh bread, this makes a delicious meal for me….merely an appetizer for a 200+ pound man… Serve it to him with half a chicken, and he’ll love you forever.

 
Prep time

Cook time

Total time

 

Author:
Serves: 2-3

Ingredients
  • 1 T. butter or coconut oil
  • ½ large leek, white and light green parts only, chopped (I’ve also used 2 medium shallots with good results)
  • 1 large garlic clove, minced
  • 1 lb. broccoli (a combination of florets and stems), chopped
  • ¼ c. fresh basil
  • 2 c. water or vegetable broth
  • ½ t. salt, plus more to taste
  • pepper, to taste
  • a dash of red pepper flakes for a bit of spice, optional
  • 4 T. soft goat cheese (chevre), at room temperature
  • toasted sunflower seeds (it may sound weird, but I love the crunch it adds!)

Instructions
  1. Heat the butter or oil in a large saucepan.
  2. Add the leek or shallots and saute for 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the broccoli and cook 1-2 minutes until bright green.
  5. Add the salt and pepper (black and red, if using).
  6. Pour in the water or broth, bring the soup to a boil, and lower it to a simmer.
  7. Cover the pan, and simmer the soup for 15 minutes.
  8. Allow the soup to cool for a few minutes.
  9. Using an standing or immersion blender, puree the soup until creamy.
  10. Ladle it into bowls, and top it with some goat cheese and toasted sunflower seeds, if desired.

Notes
The nutrition facts are based on using butter, leek, water, ½ teaspoon salt, and 2.5 ounces of soft goat cheese. Weight Watchers points (new system): 3

Nutrition Information
Serving size: 3 Calories: 104 Fat: 5.8 g Saturated fat: 3.4 g Unsaturated fat: 2.4 g Trans fat: 0 g Carbohydrates: 10.6 g Sugar: 3.2 g Sodium: 495 mg Fiber: 4.3 g Protein: 5.8 g Cholesterol: 13 mg

Adapted from this recipe

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Broccoli is a vegetable that I feel so healthy eating! With a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, it’s a powerhouse of nutrition. Some reasons I love it include:

  • high in calcium
  • helps the liver process bad estrogens
  • aids in hormonal balance
  • high in antioxidants, such as vitamin C
  • anti-histamine properties (fights those pesky allergens!)
  • high in fiber (aids elimination)

Easy, low in calories, delicious….what more could you want?

Besides meat, what meals do men really love?

I think my husband likes things that are fairly simple, classic, and safe. For instance, spaghetti and marinara. Then there’s me…I want to spiralize my eggplant and top it with a sun-dried tomato pesto. He loves his overnight oats though!! :-)

Shared with: The Pennywise Platter

 

 

 

 

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Comments: 6

  1. Matt @ The Athlete's Plate February 15, 2013 at 5:42 pm Reply

    I would definitely eat this!
    Matt @ The Athlete’s Plate recently posted..#Whole30 Day 4My Profile

  2. Michelle @ Eat Move Balance February 16, 2013 at 9:31 am Reply

    I cannot wait to try making this soup! I think both my husband and I will love it. Another man-pleasing food tends to be potatoes and eggs (he calls it “farmer’s eggs”)!
    Michelle @ Eat Move Balance recently posted..Friday’s FiveMy Profile

    • Lauren February 16, 2013 at 6:55 pm Reply

      My husband used to make the same thing! He slacks a bit now that I cook for him, but he did make them for me once, and I really enjoyed the combination. :-)

  3. Kim February 23, 2013 at 12:47 pm Reply

    This soup was a big hit with my one-year-old! She hasn’t eaten anything green with this much enthusiasm for about two months! I am new to reading your blog, but love it so far. I am not vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, etc., but I love cooking that way sometimes just for variety.

    • Lauren February 23, 2013 at 1:25 pm Reply

      I’m so happy! I’m with you on eating for variety…it’s fun to experiment with different foods and flavors! Thanks for reading Kim! :-)

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