From Jacquie's Kitchen: High Protein Broccoli Soup

It's getting cold outside! When the weather transitions, as it gets colder and darker, our bodies

tend to crave more food as we manage the stress of the change and try to find cozy comfort. We love soups and stews in this season as they are warming for both our bodies and our souls, but can still be packed full of nourishment.

This broccoli soup is creamy and delicious, and goes great with both chicken or your choice of plant based protein. Try it out and let us know how it goes! We'd love to see your soups on social media so take a pic and tag us on Instagram or Facebook!

High Protein Broccoli Soup

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 25minutes Serves: 5-6

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 medium-sized head)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 medium potato, peeled and diced (for creaminess, don't fear the carbs)

• 4 cups low sodium vegetable broth or chicken broth

• 1 cup cooked chicken breast or plant-based protein (try it with lentils or tofu)

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric (optional, but you know we love a little extra spice)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or gruyere cheese, choose something with a kick of flavour (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the vegetables:

   • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until softened.

   • Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

2. Cook the broccoli and potato:

   • Add the diced potato and broccoli florets to the pot. Stir for 2 minutes.

   • Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the broccoli and potato are tender.

3. Add protein:

   • Stir in the cooked chicken breast or your chosen plant-based protein. Let it cook for a few more minutes, allowing the protein to heat through.

   • If you prefer to have chunks of protein in your soup, skip this step until after the soup is blended and yogurt and spices are mixed in.

4. Blend the soup:

   • Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a blender and puree until smooth.

5. Finish the soup:

   • Stir in the Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and protein. Season with salt, pepper, and turmeric to taste.

6. Serve:

   • When you are ready to serve, place the soup back over low heat until warmed through.

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and, if desired, garnish with shredded cheese or your favourite fresh herbs.

Enjoy this nourishing high protein soup on a cozy night with friends or family, and stay tuned for more recipes from Jacquie's kitchen!