The past few nights have been unusually cold here in Florida. I’ve been bundled up with a blanket and a book. For supper, I had a craving for soup. I tried Chicken soup, then a beef stew. Nothing satisfied my appetite. Later, I made a delicious creamy Broccoli soup. It was to die for. 

Now, I’m going to show you how to make gluten-free broccoli soup. This recipe will not only feed your stomach but your soul as well! 

If you’re like me, nothing fills my stomach on a cold winter day better than a cup of broccoli soup. 

Broccoli is a healthy food even when prepared as a warm meal. After all, it has large amounts of vitamins C and K, vital in boosting our immune system. Yet despite these qualities, many people 

tend to steer clear from eating broccoli because of its bitter taste or odor that comes from sulfur compounds called glucosinolates. These compounds provide an essential defense against insects and animals but are not harmful to us humans at all—and some studies suggest they could help prevent cancer! 

Broccoli also provides more calcium per serving than milk, including potassium, phosphorus, vitamin B1, and vitamin B6. Since broccoli is also high in minerals like calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium, it’s no wonder why nutritionists recommend we eat more of it. So go ahead give yourself or a loved one a hug with Broccoli Soup. 

Broccoli is a part of the Brassica family, related to cauliflower and cabbage. Some research suggests that cruciferous vegetables like broccoli may be able to lower your risk of certain types of cancer, such as lung cancer, breast cancer, and colon cancer. Some anti-inflammatory properties in broccoli could help ease symptoms in people with inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome. 

What is Crème Fraiche? 

Crème fraiche is a French style of thickened cream, which is heavy and has a high-fat content. It’s used in desserts or as a substitute for sour cream. Many chefs have adapted their recipes to use crème fraiche instead of sour cream. For example, you can use it instead of mayonnaise in tuna salad or chicken salad. When mixed with hot water, crème fraiche makes an excellent substitute for buttermilk in pancakes and biscuits. 

For those who cannot consume dairy products or milk, crème fraiche is a perfect substitute for it. By substituting your milk with a crème fraiche, you can still enjoy cooking and baking recipes without having to worry about consuming dairy products. 

Crème fraiche can be found in most grocery stores that sell yogurt. If you have difficulty finding crème fraiche in your local grocery store, ask an employee if they could order some for you. 

Delicious Gluten-free Broccoli Soup Recipe 

First, let’s gather the ingredients.

Ingredients 

• 1 head of broccoli 
• Large carrot (diced or rounded) 
• Large celery stick (diced) 
• 2 medium onions (chopped) 
• 4 garlic cloves (minced) 
• 4 small potatoes (diced) 
• 3 cups chicken broth 
• 3 tbsp. gluten-free flour 
• 2 tbsp. ghee butter 
• 1 tbsp. olive oil 
• 1/2 tsp salt 
• 1/2 tsp black pepper 
• 1 cup milk 
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream 
• 2 tbsp. of Crème fraiche 

Instructions 

1. Dice, chop, and mince your celery, onions, garlic, and potatoes. 
2. Using hot water, cook the broccoli until al dente about 3 to 5 minutes. 
3. In a medium deep saucepan, melt the butter and olive oil, add onions, sauté for 1 minute, and add garlic and sauté for 5 minutes. 
4. Add the diced carrot, celery, and potatoes and the broccoli sauté for 5 mins. Sprinkle the flour and sauté for 4 mins (Add flour before mixing in the liquid to prevent the flour from clumping). 5. Add the chicken broth and cook over medium heat until all veggies are cooked. Set aside. Blend all ingredients until creamy. 
5. Return to the saucepan over medium heat. Add milk, heavy whipping cream, and creme fraiche and cook for about 3 minutes or so. 
6. Serve hot with cheddar cheese and cilantro, your favorite crackers, garlic butter, parsley toast, or try my keto sesame bread. 

Tips and Alternative Ingredient Suggestions 

• If you’re not a fan of broccoli, you can switch it up with other vegetables such as carrots, cauliflower, or potatoes. 
• Cooking your veggies in chicken broth increases their flavor. However, you can use plain water. 
• If you want your broccoli soup a little thicker, add cream cheese at your discretion.

How to Serve Broccoli Soup 

You can garnish with slices of avocado and a dollop of Greek yogurt and serve immediately. Eat it cold in summertime, or hot when it’s winter. Add cayenne pepper to your taste for some heat! It’s full of delicious goodness—and is perfect for those who want something filling yet healthy on a cold winter day. 

Why is finding Gluten-Free Dishes so hard? 

Being Gluten-Free is very challenging, especially when it comes to food. Going out to eat is even more difficult. Brands like Panera and Campbell’s sell Broccoli Soups, and honestly, some are delicious but not Gluten-free. Here’s a list of Gluten-Free Items at Panera. Subway Restaurants do offer a gluten-free Broccoli Cheddar Soup. I’ve never tried it, so I cannot say whether the recipe measures up to my creamy broccoli soup. Although national options in eateries are evolving, many restaurants do not take people with dietary restrictions seriously. 

As always, be creative! Be sure to adjust all ingredients according to taste. Remember that sometimes what you don’t put in is more important than what you do when changing up recipes. Broccoli soups that are too heavy on cream tend to lack flavor, so use caution and tweak until you find something that works for you. 

With this Gluten-free Broccoli recipe and step-by-step instructions, you’ll learn how easy it is to prepare a delicious and filling dish any time of year. 

Enjoy!