Broccoli and stilton soup is a classic British dish that is often served as a starter or a light lunch. It is made with fresh broccoli, onion, celery, potato, vegetable stock, and stilton cheese, which is a type of blue cheese that has a strong and tangy taste. The soup is blended until smooth and then topped with some crumbled cheese and fresh mint leaves for extra freshness and contrast.
In this blog post, I will follow Jamie Oliver’s recipe, but I will also give you some variations and substitutions that you can try if you want to customize the soup to your liking. For example, you can use a different type of cheese, such as cheddar or gorgonzola, or you can add some cream or milk to make the soup thinner or thicker. You can also use chicken stock instead of vegetable stock, or add some bacon or ham for extra protein and smokiness.
So, without further ado, let’s get started with the recipe!
What is Jamie Oliver Broccoli and Stilton Soup?
Jamie Oliver Broccoli and Stilton soup is made with fresh broccoli, onion, celery, potato, vegetable stock, and Stilton cheese, which is a type of blue cheese that has a strong and tangy taste. The soup is blended until smooth and then topped with some crumbled cheese and fresh mint leaves for extra freshness and contrast. It is a classic British dish that is often served as a starter or a light lunch, and it is gluten-free and vegetarian.
This soup is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, and it only takes about 30 minutes to prepare. Plus, it is gluten-free and vegetarian, so it can suit different dietary preferences.
Other Soup Recipes
- Jamie Oliver Broccoli and Stilton Soup
- Mary Berry Broccoli and Stilton Soup
- Delia Smith Vegetable Soup
Why You Love this Recipe
Discover the delightful aspects of Jamie Oliver’s broccoli and stilton soup:
- Effortless and Time-Saving: This recipe is perfect for busy days, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Nutrient-rich: Packed with the goodness of broccoli and cheese, this soup is a treasure trove of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Balanced Creaminess: Unlike heavier cream-based soups, this one uses ricotta cheese, striking a perfect balance between being creamy and not overly rich.
- Complex Flavors: Enjoy a symphony of tastes with the sweet and savory onion, the tangy edge of the cheese, and the refreshing twist of mint.
- Customizable: Adapt the soup to your taste by tweaking its thickness, choosing different cheeses, or experimenting with various toppings.
Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Broccoli and Stilton Soup
To make this broccoli and stilton soup Jamie Oliver recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 kg (about 2.2 lbs) of broccoli, roughly chopped
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 liter (about 4.2 cups) of vegetable or chicken stock
- 150g (about 5.3 ounces) of Stilton cheese, crumbled
- Olive oil, for sautéing
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- A splash of cream (optional), for serving
- Freshly baked bread, to serve
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver’s Broccoli and Stilton Soup
Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to make this broccoli and stilton soup Jamie Oliver recipe:
Step 1: Preparation of Ingredients
- Prep the Veggies: Begin by washing the broccoli and roughly chopping it into florets. Peel and finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic cloves.
Step 2: Cooking the Soup
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In a large soup pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add Broccoli: Stir in the chopped broccoli florets, coating them in the onion and garlic mixture. Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in Stock: Add the vegetable or chicken stock to the pot, bringing the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer until the broccoli is tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender (or transferring to a blender in batches), puree the soup until smooth. Return the soup to a gentle simmer.
- Add Stilton Cheese: Crumble the Stilton cheese into the soup, stirring until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Final Touches: If desired, add a splash of cream for an even creamier texture.
Step 3: Serving the Soup
- Serve Warm: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with a little extra crumbled Stilton cheese and a drizzle of cream, if using. Serve immediately with slices of freshly baked bread on the side.
What Do I Serve With Broccoli and Stilton Soup Jamie Oliver?
Accompaniments to Complement the Soup:
- Artisan Breads: Elevate your soup experience with a selection of artisan breads like crusty sourdough, classic baguette, or airy ciabatta. These breads are perfect for dipping and savoring the rich, cheesy essence of the soup.
- Fresh Green Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad, incorporating lettuce, spinach, or arugula. The freshness and crunch of the salad offer a delightful contrast to the creamy soup.
- Cheese Platter: Create a cheese board featuring an assortment of crackers, fresh grapes, assorted nuts, and a variety of cheeses. This adds an indulgent touch, harmonizing beautifully with the soup’s flavors.
- Wine Pairing: Complement your meal with a carefully chosen wine. A crisp white wine, a refreshing rosé, or even a sparkling wine can enhance the overall flavor profile of this hearty soup.
Expert Tips to Make Perfect Broccoli and Stilton Soup Jamie Oliver
Expert Tips for an Exceptional Soup Experience:
- Broccoli Preparation: Thoroughly wash the broccoli, removing any tough parts of the stalk. Utilize the entire vegetable, including stem and florets, for a full-bodied flavor and texture.
- Cooking Broccoli: Avoid overcooking to preserve the broccoli’s vibrant color and nutrients. Aim for a tender yet firm texture to add character to your soup.
- Blending Technique: Blend the soup to your preferred consistency. For a more textured, rustic soup, leave some broccoli and cheese chunks.
- Cheese Balance: Be mindful of the cheese quantity. Too much can overpower the delicate flavors of broccoli. Start with a smaller amount, adjusting to taste.
- Reheating Carefully: When reheating, do so gently over low heat to prevent the soup from splitting or curdling. Alternatively, use the microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently.
Variations of Broccoli and Stilton Soup Jamie Oliver
- Cheese Varieties: Explore beyond stilton cheese. Try cheddar, gorgonzola, or brie for different flavor profiles. For a vegan option, omit cheese or use vegan substitutes.
- Stock Choices: Feel free to switch between vegetable and chicken stock, or adjust the amount of liquid to achieve your desired soup consistency.
- Creamy Additions: Enhance the richness with additions like cream, milk, or for a dairy-free alternative, coconut milk.
- Protein Infusion: For a protein-rich version, add cooked bacon or ham. This can be done in the initial cooking stages or as a garnish.
- Vegetable Options: Broaden the soup’s vegetable base with carrots, potatoes, cauliflower, or spinach. Frozen broccoli is a convenient substitute when fresh isn’t available.
- Herbs and Spices: Infuse the soup with additional flavors using herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary, or spices such as nutmeg or cumin. Lemon juice or zest can add a refreshing acidity.
How do I store Broccoli and Stilton Soup Jamie Oliver Leftovers?
Keeping the Soup Fresh and Flavorful:
Refrigerator Storage:
- Cooling: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature.
- Container: Transfer it into an airtight container to preserve freshness.
- Duration: The soup can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer Storage:
- Preparation: After cooling, pour the soup into a freezer-safe container or a sealable freezer bag.
- Labeling: Mark the container or bag with the date to keep track of freshness.
- Freezing Period: Frozen, the soup maintains its quality for about 3 months.
How do I reheat Broccoli and Stilton Soup Jamie Oliver Leftovers?
Ensuring Optimal Taste and Texture upon Reheating:
Stovetop Method:
- Thawing: First, defrost the soup in the refrigerator if frozen.
- Heating: Pour the soup into a saucepan and warm it over low heat.
- Stirring: Stir occasionally for even heating.
- Adjusting Consistency: If the soup has thickened, gradually add water or stock until the desired consistency is achieved.
Microwave Method:
- Preparation: Thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator, then transfer it to a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwaving: Heat in short intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
- Consistency: Add a little water or stock if the soup has become too thick during storage.
Final thoughts
I hope you enjoyed this broccoli and stilton soup Jamie Oliver recipe and found it easy to follow. This soup is a great way to use up some broccoli and cheese that you may have in your fridge, and it is perfect for a cozy and comforting meal. You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it completely before reheating it.
If you liked this recipe, please leave a comment below and let me know what you think. You can also share it with your friends and family on social media, or pin it to your Pinterest board for later. And if you want more delicious and easy soup recipes, check out my other blog posts, where I share more of my favorite soups from around the world.
Thank you for reading and happy cooking!