Super Detox Broccoli Soup Recipe

So it’s 2009 already. Doesn’t time fly? I’m betting that you did the same as me over Christmas; over-ate, over-drank, and now feel rather sick. Isn’t it time for some nice healthy, slimming and detoxifying food?

Broccoli Soup

Broccoli Soup

Here’s a soup to kick-start your new healthy living (however short a fad it may be), and one that is really quick and easy to prepare, too. The ingredients are nothing more than broccoli and chicken stock, with a garlic clove thrown in for good measure. Truth be told this soup is inspired by a Gordon Ramsay version containing just the broccoli and water – a little bland for my liking (hence the modifications) but feel free to try it either way!

Broccoli is a really super healthy vegetable that is underused in the kitchen, high in vitamin c and fibre as well as being a natural diuretic with anti-carcinogenic (cancer reducing) properties. Phew – I feel healthier just talking about it!

This recipe is also my entry to the great “Weekend Herb Blogging” event – now in its 164th edition – being held over at Cook (almost) Anything at Least Once.

Broccoli Soup Recipe – Ingredients

  • 1.2 litres (approx) chicken stock or water
  • 600g (approx) broccoli (a whole head, basically) – chopped up roughly
  • 1 Clove garlic – chopped / minced
  • Salt & pepper, to taste.

Broccoli Soup Recipe – Method

  1. This one is too simple.
  2. Simply boil the broccoli in the liquid until slightly softened (5 mins or so) before transferring to a blender – retain about 1/4 of the stock liquid as we’re going to add that back in gradually.
  3. Whizz up the soup until smooth and, as suggested above, add the remaining liquid up until the desired consistancy is reached.
  4. Season to taste. If you’re eating this as part of a detox it’s worth remembering that salt makes your body retain water, pretty much counteracting some of the diuretic effect of the soup.
  5. Enjoy!

Related posts:

  • http://www.theperfectpantry.com Lydia (The Perfect Pantry)

    Perfect way to start the new year. I love soups that are creamy, but have no cream in them. Sometimes I add a bit of potato for thickener, too.

    • http://www.realepicurean.com scott

      Lydia (The Perfect Pantry): I quite often use potato for thickening, too. In this case it just didn’t need it – and is best served not too thick.

      • Deb

        The broccoli alone was great! I also had some leftover roasted Cauliflower the second time I made it. Added that to the pot. Gives it a whole new flavor profile!

  • http://www.mycookinghut.com mycookinghut

    Scott,
    Happy New Year! This recipe is what I need – super detox broccoli soup! I have had too much over Christmas and New Year! I have to start detox regime soon :)

    • http://www.realepicurean.com scott

      mycookinghut: I’m always full of good intentions but the truth is there are so many sweets left over from Christmas all over the house, this stuff is never going to counteract all of that ;)

  • http://shikishi.wordpress.com Shikishi

    Absolutely lovely and probably one of the cheapest (and simplest) meals I’ve ever heard of. But still didn’t help me from finishing off the half package of After Eight’s I had in the fridge. :)

    • http://www.realepicurean.com scott

      Haha! After Eights are addictive, though!

  • http://www.ecurry.com Soma

    I have never made brocolli soup, the only way I can eat it is steamed:-) I guess the garlic in it would add a flavor. I do need the detox..

    • http://www.realepicurean.com scott

      Detox is never a bad thing…But it’s so hard to maintain it!

  • http://www.mangotomato.blogspot.com Olga

    This looks so simple and economical! I could really use a bowl of it sometime this week :)

    • http://www.realepicurean.com scott

      Economical, yes. We need more of that in the current climate, don’t we?

  • http://www.confessionsofafoodie.com/ The Foodie

    It’s the new year and my husband and I are now on a 2 week detox with significantly modified diet and pills. I decided to keep track of it out my website and share recipes that actually taste good while you detox (not all of them were good but anyway). I’m sure the biggest effect of the detox is the modified diet more than the pills but by laying down some cash for the pills it makes us stick to the diet.

    We are craving sweets & cheese like crazy but we are 25% of the way there. Read our journey each day over at

    http://www.confessionsofafoodie.com/category/detox-cleansing-diets/

    Sincerely,
    Foodie

    • http://www.realepicurean.com scott

      I’ve had a look and it’s interesting! I’ll make sure to check back again, too – thanks for letting me know about it.

  • Pingback: Is Detox a Myth? | RealEpicurean.com

  • http://sugareverythingnice.blogspot.com/ jo

    I never knew broccoli could be used as a detox agent – very interesting.

    • http://www.realepicurean.com scott

      It’s certainly more tasty than the traditional cabbage – which is great if used well but can get a little boring after a while…

  • michelle

    I was very satisfied with this recipe!
    i added some potatoes and some more garlic
    but i just wanted to say thank you
    i was a little doubtful but simple really can be delicious. and nutritious!

    • http://www.realepicurean.com scott

      Hi Michelle, I’m happy that you tried and liked this recipe – the extra garlic is great as it is really good for you too!

  • http://www.aidanbrooks.blogspot.com/ Trig

    Detox is only a myth if the rubber hose doesn’t go in far enough or the water isn’t warm enough. Happy New Year.

    • http://www.realepicurean.com scott

      A great any cynical viewpoint, heh. How are those Europeans taking to your dry humour? :D

  • http://www.rkhooks.net r khooks

    Detox or not I’m sure that would be pretty tasty anyday. I might have to add a big dollop of crème fraîche to my bowl though ;-)

    • http://www.realepicurean.com scott

      Well whatever you dollop into it I’m sure it would be delicious! A bit of double cream would kill the health kick but might be a nice touch to make it a but heavier and more warming.

  • http://blog.lemonpi.net Y

    I love broccoli any which way. The colour of your soup is just awesome – so vibrant! And very virtuous, especially when it is preceded by that post about yummy chocolate truffles :)

    • http://www.realepicurean.com scott

      Ah, well, the chocolate truffles were before Christmas – that’s my excuse ;)

  • http://www.greedygourmet.com Michelle

    Sometimes simple is best. The fewer ingredients used, the more they will shine through. In this case the broccoli!

    • http://www.realepicurean.com scott

      Absolutely; my favourite pasta dishes are always the ones with only a few ingredients. Actually, that probably extends beyond pasta to just about everything I cook!

  • http://www.cooksister.com Jeanne

    I’m with you on the “where the hell is the month going?” front!! Love te look of that soup, so GREEN. But of course, I’m already thinking “hmm, maybe a little blue cheese in there…” So much for my healthy living :)

    • http://www.realepicurean.com scott

      Well a little drizzle of a tangy herb oil or similar over the top might give it a nice twist without too many added calories…Still, a healthy soup with blue cheese is healthier than an unhealthy soup with blue cheese – so you’re still winning!

  • http://bigflavors.blogspot.com Ashley

    I made this last week when I started coming down with a cold and it was really soothing! It felt healthy to eat it. I drizzled a little basil oil on top at the end and it was a really nice addition.

    • http://www.realepicurean.com scott

      Great to hear – I’m glad you enjoyed it!

  • nehal

    you hav given a very natural and amazing recipe.It’s just awesome!!!

    • http://www.realepicurean.com scott

      Thanks. Natural is always best!

  • Jean Davidson

    When do you add the garlic??? I presume you just boil it along with the broccoli, but it doesn’t actually say so.

    • http://www.realepicurean.com scott

      Hi Jean, you are correct that you are supposed to add the garlic at the start, with the brocolli. I’ll amend the recipe accordingly (thanks for letting me know!).

  • Moni

    I love this recipe, I add tofu to thicken the soup sometimes, it’s a great detox recipe for weight loss, complexion and great for you well-being!

    • http://www.realepicurean.com scott

      Hi Moni, I’ve never used tofu in a soup before. How does that work – at the risk of sounding stupid – since tofu doesn’t “melt” as such?

      • Moni

        The same way you would add potatoes to a soup. You can use firm or soft tofu, make sure you drain the tofu for at least 2 hrs. by placing and replacing paper towels on both sides on a large plate and lay another plate on top to push the juice out, after 2 hrs then chop into bite size squares and then add the tofu to the soup. Cook tofu inside the soup for full duration of the soup and it will absorb a lot of the flavor, thicken the soup and fill you up much better. Enjoy!

  • http://myhealth-your-health.blogspot.com michael

    I have been using Kombucha tea and have found it quite good. The tea has antibiotic, antibacterial and antiviral properties and purifies the body by binding to toxins and promoting their excretion.

  • mhairi

    This really is an amazing soup, it is so so simple and delicious, it manages to taste like a creamed soup without the added calories, It is also a great pick me up for those winter days when you are feeling a little too tierd than you should be – really nutritous! brilliant, I make it all the time, thank you

    • http://www.realepicurean.com scott

      It’s becoming even more wintry by the day right now, too!

  • Sandy

    Remember not to put hot liquids in your blender— otherwise, you will be
    wearing the broccoli soup–

    It turned out great but next time would really garlic it up

    • http://www.realepicurean.com scott

      As much as you like. I find a nice stock & perfect seasoning takes it to the next level.

  • http://www.bridgetcherie.com bridget

    I love the recipe but added some fresh red hot chili when blending. Tasty and spicy!

    • http://www.realepicurean.com scott

      Great idea, I add Tabasco to practically everything when I cook for myself. I’m like a kid in that way.

  • Pingback: 10 Different Recipe Ideas for 6 to 9 Month Old Babies | RealEpicurean.com

  • karen woolfall

    Hi i love this soup, can you please a explain how long i need to detox for? Do i just have the soup for every meal? and how many calories are in this soup ? Many thanks kazx