Jamie Oliver Broccoli And Stilton Soup Recipe [GUIDE]

Jamie Oliver’s Broccoli and Stilton Soup is a rich and velvety comfort dish that combines the earthiness of broccoli with the creamy, tangy punch of Stilton cheese. The blend of these flavors creates a balanced, hearty soup that’s perfect for colder days or whenever you’re craving something a bit indulgent. It’s simple to make but the taste is anything but basic. The broccoli gives the soup a lovely, fresh green note while the Stilton adds a sharp, creamy undertone that elevates it. It’s the kind of soup that fills you up but also feels a little bit special. like you’re treating yourself without having to put in a ton of effort.

Jamie Oliver Broccoli And Stilton Soup Recipe

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious soup:

1. Broccoli: The star of the dish. Fresh broccoli works best, giving that earthy flavor that complements the Stilton perfectly.
2. Stilton cheese: A strong blue cheese that has a creamy, crumbly texture. The richness of Stilton is what makes this soup unique, so don’t skimp on quality here.
3. Onions: Adds a mild sweetness to balance the sharpness of the Stilton.
4. Garlic: For depth of flavor. It brings a bit of savory warmth to the soup.
5. Vegetable stock: To help form the base of the soup and infuse it with flavor.
6. Cream: A touch of cream makes the soup smoother and richer, creating that dreamy texture.
7. Olive oil or butter: For sautéing the onions and garlic which brings out their sweetness.
8. Salt and pepper: To season and balance the flavors.
9. Optional garnish: A few extra crumbles of Stilton and a drizzle of olive oil or cream to finish.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need much here, just the basics:

• Large pot or saucepan: To cook everything together. You’ll need enough space to simmer the broccoli and stock.
• Sharp knife and chopping board: For prepping your vegetables.
• Blender or immersion blender: This is key to achieving that smooth, velvety texture. If you don’t have a blender, you could use a potato masher for a chunkier version but the blending really takes it to the next level.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring and keeping everything moving around in the pot.
• Measuring spoons: For precise seasoning. especially for salt, pepper and cream.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Broccoli And Stilton Soup

Making this soup is pretty straightforward and once you get the hang of it, it becomes a cozy go-to recipe. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prep the ingredients: Start by chopping the onions and garlic. Break the broccoli into florets and peel and chop the stalks if you’re using them (they have loads of flavor!). Crumble or cut the Stilton into small chunks, so it melts easily later.
2. Sauté onions and garlic: Heat a little olive oil or butter in your pot over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, stirring occasionally until they soften and turn golden. This step builds the flavor base for the soup.
3. Cook the broccoli: Toss in the broccoli florets and cook for another couple of minutes, letting them get a bit of color. This brings out a nice depth of flavor before you add the liquid.
4. Add the stock: Pour in your vegetable stock, enough to cover the veggies and bring it to a boil. Once it’s boiling, turn the heat down and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes or until the broccoli is tender.
5. Blend the soup: Once the broccoli is nice and soft, it’s time to blend! Either use an immersion blender or carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Blend until it’s silky smooth.
6. Stir in the Stilton and cream: Pour the smooth soup back into the pot and heat gently. Add the Stilton cheese and cream, stirring until the cheese has melted and everything’s well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a little extra Stilton, a swirl of cream or a drizzle of olive oil if you’re feeling fancy. Enjoy!

What I Learnt

Making this soup was a bit of a revelation in terms of flavor balance. I always knew broccoli was good but blending it with Stilton takes it to a whole new level. The key is making sure the broccoli is cooked just enough to be tender but not overcooked or else it can lose that lovely fresh taste. The Stilton, though-it’s the secret weapon. When it melts into the soup, it creates this rich, creamy texture that’s comforting but doesn’t overpower the freshness of the broccoli.

I also learned that the soup works well both chunky or smooth, depending on your mood. And it’s super customizable. You can add more cream for a richer result or swap out the Stilton for another blue cheese if you prefer something milder.

Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Broccoli And Stilton Soup

Jamie Oliver’s broccoli and stilton soup is a classic. But there’s always room to add a little personal touch. Here are a few tweaks to suit different tastes:

1. Add a Crispy Topping: One way to elevate the texture is by topping the soup with some crispy croutons or even roasted seeds (like pumpkin or sunflower). You can quickly make croutons by pan-frying leftover bread with olive oil, garlic and a sprinkle of herbs.
2. Vary the Cheese: Stilton is rich and tangy but you could swap it with another strong cheese if you want something different. A sharp cheddar or even a creamy goat cheese can add a new layer of flavor.
3. Roast the Broccoli: For a slightly deeper, caramelized flavor, roast your broccoli before adding it to the soup. Toss the florets in olive oil, salt and pepper, then roast in a hot oven until golden brown and tender. This adds a great depth to the soup.
4. Add Herbs: If you’re feeling fancy, try adding a few fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary or even a small handful of sage. They complement the flavors of the broccoli and stilton nicely.
5. A Touch of Spice: If you like a little kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the soup. It’ll balance out the richness of the cheese and give it a delightful zing.
6. Swap the Broth: Jamie’s recipe uses vegetable stock but feel free to swap it out with chicken stock or even a homemade broth for a more robust flavor. It can change the overall taste without making it less “soupy”.

These tweaks aren’t drastic but they can transform the dish and make it your own.

Storage Tips For Leftovers

If you’ve made a big batch and want to save some for later (lucky you!), here are some tips to keep your broccoli and stilton soup fresh:

1. Cool It First: Before you store the soup, let it cool down to room temperature. If you put it in the fridge while it’s still hot, it can raise the overall temperature inside your fridge, potentially leading to bacterial growth.
2. Use Airtight Containers: The best way to store any soup is in airtight containers. Glass containers with a secure lid work great because they don’t absorb odors and are easier to clean. If you’re using plastic, just make sure it’s BPA-free.
3. How Long Can You Keep It?: In the fridge, you can store your leftover soup for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, freeze it. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before freezing.
4. Freezing Tips: When freezing, portion the soup out into smaller batches. This makes it easier to reheat only what you need. Freezing it in a flat container will allow for quicker defrosting.
5. Reheating: When you reheat the soup, do it gently on low heat. Stir occasionally to avoid any separation, especially because the stilton can cause the soup to thicken or even curdle if it’s overheated. If it becomes too thick after storage, you can always thin it with a little extra broth or milk.

What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Broccoli And Stilton Soup?

The soup is rich and filling but it’s always fun to pair it with a few sides to make it a complete meal.

1. Crusty Bread: You can’t go wrong with a slice of warm, crusty bread. It soaks up the soup wonderfully. Consider a sourdough, baguette or even some warm focaccia. You could also serve it with garlic bread if you want a bit of extra flavor.
2. A Simple Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad can balance out the richness of the soup. A simple mix of arugula, spinach and maybe some thinly sliced pears with a light vinaigrette works beautifully. Add a few toasted nuts, like walnuts or almonds, for some crunch.
3. Cheese and Charcuterie Platter: If you’re looking for something a bit more indulgent, a cheese and charcuterie platter could be a great accompaniment. A few different cheeses (try some soft brie or even some hard cheese like Manchego), some cured meats and a handful of olives can make for a rich, flavor-packed side.
4. Stuffed Pastries: Something like a savory pastry or a stuffed puff pastry with mushrooms or spinach is perfect for dipping into the soup. It adds a bit of texture and flavor contrast to the smooth soup.
5. Grilled Vegetables: If you want to keep things veggie-focused, grilled vegetables like asparagus, zucchini or roasted carrots can bring out the earthy flavor of the broccoli in the soup. They also add a bit of color and extra nutrients to the meal.
6. Roasted Potatoes: If you’re craving something more substantial, roasted potatoes or crispy potato wedges could be the way to go. The fluffy interior with crispy edges pairs perfectly with the creamy soup.

FAQs

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Broccoli And Stilton Soup Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can! It stores well in the fridge for a couple of days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Can I Use A Different Cheese Instead Of Stilton?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of stilton, try using blue cheese or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor.

Is Jamie Oliver’s Broccoli And Stilton Soup Vegetarian?

Yes, the recipe is vegetarian, but make sure to check your stock to ensure it’s veggie-friendly.