Introduction

Vegan broccoli cheddar soup reimagines the classic comfort dish for the plant-based era. This innovative recipe captures all the creamy, cheesy goodness of the original while being completely dairy-free. According to the Plant Based Foods Association, the demand for vegan alternatives to classic comfort foods has grown exponentially, leading to creative solutions like this satisfying soup.

Our recipe uses a clever combination of nutritional yeast, cashews, and plant-based cheese to create that signature “cheddar” flavor, while maintaining the velvety texture you’d expect from a traditional broccoli cheddar soup. The result is a nutrient-rich, satisfying meal that proves you don’t need dairy to enjoy this beloved comfort food classic.

Ingredients for Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• 2 lbs fresh broccoli florets, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup raw cashews, soaked overnight
• 2 cups unsweetened plant milk (preferably oat or soy)
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 1 cup vegan cheddar shreds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (for color)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional garnishes: extra vegan cheese shreds, croutons, fresh herbs

Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Cashew Base

1. Drain soaked cashews and blend with 1 cup plant milk until completely smooth
2. Set aside cashew cream mixture

Creating the Soup Base

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat
2. Add diced onions and carrots, sauté for 5-7 minutes
3. Add minced garlic, cook for 1 minute until fragrant
4. Sprinkle flour over vegetables, stir constantly for 1-2 minutes

Building the Soup

1. Gradually add broth and remaining plant milk while stirring
2. Add nutritional yeast, paprika, and turmeric
3. Stir in cashew cream mixture
4. Bring to a gentle simmer

Completing the Soup

1. Add chopped broccoli florets
2. Simmer for 10-12 minutes until broccoli is tender
3. Add vegan cheddar shreds, stir until melted
4. Blend partially if desired, leaving some texture
5. Season with salt and pepper

Nutritional Information About Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup

According to Cronometer, each serving of this vegan broccoli cheddar soup provides:

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 5g
• Healthy Fats: 14g
• Iron: 15% DV
• Calcium: 20% DV (from fortified ingredients)
• Vitamin C: 100% DV

The combination of cashews, nutritional yeast, and broccoli creates a nutrient-dense meal that’s rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.

Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe Cooking Tips and Variations

Perfect Vegan Cheese Sauce

• Soak cashews for at least 4 hours, or quick-soak in hot water for 1 hour
• Use high-quality nutritional yeast for the best cheesy flavor
• Blend cashew cream until completely smooth for the best texture

Alternative Ingredients

• Replace cashews with sunflower seeds for a nut-free version
• Use chickpea flour instead of all-purpose flour for extra protein
• Add white beans for additional creaminess and protein
• Experiment with different vegan cheese brands for varying flavors

Storage Tips

• Keeps in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
• May thicken when stored; thin with plant milk when reheating
• Freeze for up to 3 months in airtight containers

Wine and Beverage Pairings

• White Wine: Vegan-certified Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc
• Beer: Vegan craft lager or wheat beer
• Non-alcoholic: Sparkling water with lemon
• Hot beverages: Turmeric latte or herbal tea

Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup Serving Suggestions

Create a complete vegan meal with these complementary dishes:

Bread Options

• Crusty sourdough bread
• Homemade garlic bread with vegan butter
• Gluten-free crackers

Fresh Sides

• Massaged kale salad
• Roasted root vegetables
• Marinated chickpea salad

Toppings and Add-ins

• Roasted pumpkin seeds
• Crispy tempeh bacon bits
• Fresh chives or green onions

Health Benefits Of Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This vegan broccoli cheddar soup is packed with nutritional advantages:

• Plant-based protein from cashews and nutritional yeast
• Heart-healthy fats from olive oil and nuts
• High fiber content for digestive health
• Rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients
• Immune-boosting vitamin C
• Anti-inflammatory properties from turmeric

FAQs About Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Why won’t my vegan cheese melt properly?

Different brands of vegan cheese have varying melting properties. Try adding it gradually and stirring constantly over low heat. Some brands may require higher temperatures to melt fully.

Can I make this soup nut-free?

Yes! Replace the cashews with sunflower seeds or silken tofu for a nut-free alternative that maintains the creamy texture.

How can I make the soup thicker?

Add more cashew cream or use less liquid. You can also blend more of the vegetables for a naturally thicker consistency.

What fruit goes with cheddar broccoli soup

While fruit isn’t a traditional pairing with broccoli cheddar soup (either regular or vegan), there are some complementary fruit options that can work well as:

1. Side dish pairings:

• Sliced green apples – their tart, crisp nature provides a refreshing contrast
• Pear slices – their subtle sweetness and texture work well
• Fresh grapes – can offer a light, sweet contrast to the savory soup

2. Salad additions:

• Diced apples in a side salad
• Dried cranberries in a mixed green salad
• Mandarin orange segments in a light side salad

3. Dessert pairings:

• Baked apples
• Poached pears
• Apple crisp

The best fruit pairings tend to be:

• Crisp fruits that offer textural contrast
• Slightly tart fruits that can cut through the richness
• Fall/winter fruits that match the seasonal nature of the soup

The most classic and recommended fruit pairing would be green apples, as their:

• Tartness balances the soup’s richness
• Crispness contrasts with the creamy texture
• Flavor profile complements both the broccoli and cheese components
• Natural acidity can help with digestion of the creamy soup

Conclusion

This vegan broccoli cheddar soup proves that plant-based cooking can be just as satisfying as traditional recipes. Share your creations with us using #VeganBroccoliCheddar and @flavornectar1!

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