Shamrock Soup

Name: Shamrock Soup
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 large bunch broccoli; 1 tbsp (15 mL) butter; 3 garlic cloves minced; 1 onion chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 potatoes peeled and chopped; 4 cups (1 L) reduced-sodium vegetable broth or chicken broth; 2 cups (500 mL) Milk; 1/2 cup (125 mL) Canadian Havarti or Canadian Mozzarella or Canadian Cheddar shredded; Shamrock Croutons; 4 to 6 slices whole grain bread; Sour cream or plain yogurt (optional)

On a day when we celebrate everything green, why not make dinner green, too? Broccoli and potatoes make a bright, perfectly smooth and delicious soup that’s easy to make. The shamrock-shaped cheese croutons add fun, crunch and flavour.

Prep: 15 min - 20 min
Cooking: 30 min - 40 min

Yields 6 servings

Ingredients

1 large bunch broccoli
1 tbsp (15 mL) butter
3 garlic cloves minced
1 onion chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
2 potatoes peeled and chopped
4 cups (1 L) reduced-sodium vegetable broth or chicken broth
2 cups (500 mL) Milk
1/2 cup (125 mL) Canadian Havarti or Canadian Mozzarella or Canadian Cheddar shredded
Shamrock Croutons
4 to 6 slices whole grain bread
Sour cream or plain yogurt (optional)

READY FOR REWARDS?

Preparation

Cut broccoli tops from stalks. Peel stalks and chop coarsely. Cut tops into small florets and set aside separately.

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat; sauté garlic, onion for about 5 min or until softened. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add broccoli stalks and potatoes and sauté for 1 min. Pour broth and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat, cover and boil gently for about 10 min or until potatoes are almost tender. Add broccoli florets and boil gently, uncovered, for about 5 min or until florets are tender.

Shamrock Croutons:

Using a shamrock cookie cutter or a sharp paring knife, cut shamrock shapes from bread and place on a baking sheet. Preheat broiler.

In a blender, in batches, or with an immersion blender, purée soup until smooth. Return to pot, if necessary. Stir in milk; heat over medium-low heat, stirring often, just until steaming (do not let boil). Remove from heat; stir in Canadian Havarti until melted. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Just before serving, broil croutons on each side until toasted.

Ladle soup into bowls, top with a spoonful of sour cream (if using) and float croutons on top.

Tips

If you want to save time, buy pre-cut fresh broccoli. You’ll need about 1 lb 4 oz (625 g). If you prefer to use frozen broccoli, use 6 cups (1.5 L) or 1 lb (450 g) and add it frozen at the end of step 2 where it specifies to add the florets.

To make the soup ahead, transfer it to a container after puréeing and let cool. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Let thaw in refrigerator overnight, if necessary. Reheat in a pot over medium heat until hot and bubbling before adding milk.