How to Make a Bone-Building Calcium-Rich Broccoli and Almond Soup

As we strive for a healthier lifestyle, finding tasty yet nutritious recipes can be challenging, especially when you’re trying to pack in those essential minerals like calcium. That’s where our delicious Broccoli and Almond Soup comes in – a perfect blend of taste, health, and simplicity. This soup is not just warm and comforting; it’s a calcium powerhouse essential for bone health. Here’s how you can whip up this creamy delight in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 large head of broccoli (about 3 to 4 cups), chopped into florets
3 cups of vegetable broth
1 cup of unsweetened almond milk
1/2 cup of raw almonds, plus a handful for garnishing
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: a pinch of nutmeg or grated cheese for garnishing

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Prep Your Ingredients:

Start by washing the broccoli thoroughly and chopping it into small florets; this helps them cook more evenly. Next, peel and chop your onion and mince the garlic cloves. Now you’re all set to start cooking!

2. Sauté Onions and Garlic:

In a large pot, warm up the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and let them cook until they’re soft and translucent – this usually takes about 5 minutes. Throw in the minced garlic and give it a stir, cooking it for another minute until fragrant.

3. Add Broccoli and Broth:

To the pot, add the broccoli florets and the vegetable broth. The broth not only adds flavor but also helps in cooking the broccoli to perfection. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 10-15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.

4. Blend in Almonds:

While the soup is simmering, take your raw almonds (reserve a few for garnishing later) and add them to a food processor or blender. Blitz until you get a fine almond meal. This is going to add a beautiful nutty flavor to the soup as well as an extra calcium boost.

5. Puree the Soup:

Once the broccoli is tender, add the almond meal to the pot and stir well. Now, using either an immersion blender or transferring the mixture carefully to a blender, puree the soup until it’s completely smooth. If you’re using a blender, you might need to do this in batches depending on the size of your blender.

6. Add Almond Milk and Season:

Return the pureed soup to the pot (if you used a blender) and stir in the almond milk. This helps to give the soup a creamy texture without adding any dairy. Heat the soup through, but don’t let it boil. Taste it and then add salt and pepper according to your liking.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Now that your soup is ready, ladle it into bowls. You can garnish it with some chopped almonds, a pinch of nutmeg, or even some grated cheese if you like. And there you have it, a comforting bowl of calcium-rich Broccoli and Almond Soup ready to enjoy!

Nutrition Note:

This Broccoli and Almond Soup not only tastes great but is also packed with nutrients. Broccoli is a great source of calcium, which is crucial for maintaining strong bones and teeth. Almonds are another great source of calcium, plus they provide healthy fats and vitamin E. Combining these two ingredients gives you a delicious way to boost your calcium intake.

Final Thoughts:

Making this Broccoli and Almond Soup is as simple as it gets, with minimal prep and cooking time. It’s perfect for a quick and healthy lunch or as a comforting dinner. The best part is, it’s incredibly nutritious, offering a tasty way to get more of that essential calcium into your diet. So next time you’re in the mood for something warm, creamy, and healthy, give this soup a try – your bones will thank you!