Delia Smith Broccoli and Stilton Soup Recipe

Name: Delia Smith's Broccoli and Stilton Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1 head of broccoli, fresh and vibrant green; 100g Stilton cheese, crumbled; 1 shallot, finely chopped; 500ml chicken stock; 100ml double cream; 50g butter; Salt and pepper to taste

Delve into the creamy, comforting world of Delia Smith's Broccoli and Stilton Soup, a recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious dish perfect for cold weather. This soup combines the earthy taste of broccoli with the rich, tangy flavor of Stilton cheese, creating a hearty and delicious meal that's easy to prepare.

Broccoli and Stilton Soup: A Brief Overview

This soup is a testament to British cuisine's ability to create comforting dishes with a gourmet twist. The combination of broccoli and Stilton cheese is not just a meeting of flavors but also a blend of textures, with the creamy cheese melting into the tender broccoli. This dish is a fantastic way to use up leftover Stilton, making it a popular choice after the festive seasons.

Ingredients for the Broccoli and Stilton Soup

Broccoli: 1 head, ensuring it's fresh and vibrant green.
Stilton cheese: 100g, crumbled for easy melting.
Shallot: 1, finely chopped for a base flavor.
Chicken stock: 500ml, for a rich and comforting liquid base.
Double cream: 100ml, adding a luxurious creaminess.
Butter: 50g, for sautéing and enriching the soup.
Seasoning: Salt and pepper, adjusted to taste.

How to Prepare the Broccoli and Stilton Soup

Begin by sautéing the shallot in butter until soft and translucent.
Add the broccoli to the pot, pouring in chicken stock to cover the vegetables, and simmer until the broccoli is tender.
Crumble the Stilton cheese into the soup, allowing it to melt and blend into the broth.
Stir in the double cream for a rich, velvety texture, then season with salt and pepper.
For a smoother soup, blend until creamy. Optionally, garnish with extra crumbled Stilton before serving.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Cool the soup completely before storing it in the fridge, where it will keep for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, avoiding boiling to maintain the creamy texture.

Nutritional Information

This soup is rich in vitamins from the broccoli and provides a good source of calcium and protein from the cheese. However, it's also high in fat due to the Stilton and cream, so enjoy it as a treat rather than a daily meal.

FAQ about the Broccoli and Stilton Soup

Can I use a different cheese? While Stilton is preferred for its unique flavor, other blue cheeses can be substituted.
Is this soup suitable for vegetarians? Yes, if you use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
Can I freeze this soup? Freezing is not recommended due to the dairy content, which may separate upon thawing.

Discover the warmth and comfort of Delia Smith's Broccoli and Stilton Soup, a dish that effortlessly combines simple ingredients into a luxurious and comforting meal. Perfect for a cozy dinner or as a sophisticated starter, this soup is a staple in British cuisine, demonstrating the timeless appeal of hearty, flavorful dishes.

Original recipe attributed to Delia Smith, as found on Delia Onlineand Great British Chefs.