What I love about Jamie Oliver’s Broccoli and Stilton Soup recipe is how it balances indulgence with simplicity. Jamie’s knack for transforming everyday ingredients into something extraordinary shines through here, making this soup not just a meal but a culinary experience.
Table of Contents
How to make Jamie Oliver’s Broccoli and Stilton Soup
Jamie Oliver’s Broccoli and Stilton Soup is a classic British-style blended soup that combines fresh green vegetables with rich blue cheese for a warm, comforting dish.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up Jamie Oliver’s Broccoli and Stilton Soup:
- 500g broccoli (roughly chopped into florets; keep the stems for extra flavor)
- 150g Stilton cheese (crumbled; adjust the amount to your taste preference)
- 1 large onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves of garlic (optional – minced for added depth)
- 1 medium-sized potato (peeled and diced; for added thickness)
- 1 liter vegetable stock or chicken stock (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter (for sautéing)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Cream (optional) (a splash, to make the soup extra indulgent)
- Croutons or crusty bread (for serving, optional)
Instructions
Follow these steps to create a bowl of creamy, delicious Jamie Oliver’s Broccoli and Stilton Soup:
- Begin by washing your broccoli thoroughly and cutting it into small florets. Peel and dice the potato into small chunks for faster cooking.
- Heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic (if using) to the pot and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened but not browned.
- Stir in the broccoli florets and diced potato, making sure everything is evenly coated in the oil or butter.
- Add the vegetable or chicken stock until the broccoli and potato are just submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer for around 15-20 minutes, or until the broccoli and potato are soft and can be pierced easily with a fork.
- Remove the pot from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, transfer the mixture to a high-speed blender in batches.
- Stir in the crumbled Stilton cheese, ensuring it melts completely and infuses the soup with its distinct, tangy flavor. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt and pepper.
- If desired, stir in a splash of cream for an extra luxurious texture.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, top with croutons or pair with crusty bread, and garnish with a little extra Stilton cheese or fresh herbs, like parsley or chives. Serve warm and savor!
Tips for Perfect Broccoli and Stilton Soup
- Stilton is iconic in this recipe, but if you prefer a milder option, try Gorgonzola or any other creamy blue cheese.
- Don’t discard the broccoli stems—cut them into small pieces and cook them along with the florets for added depth of flavor.
- When using a blender, ensure the soup isn’t too hot to avoid spills or steam burns. Let it cool slightly before blending.
- If the soup turns out too thick, thin it down with a little extra stock or water until you reach your desired consistency.
- This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Serve the soup with crusty sourdough bread, garlic bread, or homemade croutons for an irresistible and satisfying dish.
What to serve with
Jamie Oliver’s Broccoli and Stilton Soup is a creamy, indulgent dish that’s perfect as a meal on its own. However, the right accompaniments can elevate it from comforting to spectacular.
1. Crusty Bread
The classic companion to any soup, a loaf of crusty bread is the perfect way to mop up every last drop of that rich, cheesy goodness.
Options to Try:
- Artisan sourdough: Ideal for its chewy texture and subtle tangy flavor.
- Baguette slices: Toasted lightly or served fresh.
- Rustic ciabatta: The soft crumb and crisp crust complement this soup beautifully.
- Garlic bread: Adds a boost of flavor with its buttery, garlicky goodness.
2. Homemade Croutons
Add a bit of crunch and a toasty flavor with croutons – a simple way to transform your soup into something extra gourmet.
How to Make Croutons:
- Cube day-old bread (sourdough, baguette, or even white bread).
- Toss the cubes in olive oil, a pinch of sea salt, and optional herbs (e.g., thyme, rosemary, or parsley).
- Bake in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Flavor Additions: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or chopped garlic over the bread cubes before baking for an elevated touch.
3. A Fresh Salad
To balance the richness of the Jamie Oliver’s Broccoli and Stilton Soup, serve a light, refreshing salad on the side. A crisp salad adds texture and a burst of color to your meal.
Salad Ideas:
- Rocket and Walnut Salad: Peppery arugula leaves with toasted walnuts and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette.
- Apple and Spinach Salad: Thinly sliced apples, baby spinach, pecans, and a honey-dijon dressing.
- Simple Mixed Greens: Lettuce, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a light lemon olive oil dressing.
Ingredients Substitutes
Jamie Oliver’s Broccoli and Stilton Soup relies on simple yet bold flavors, with broccoli and Stilton cheese as its key components. However, you may need ingredient substitutes based on dietary preferences, availability, or taste preferences.
1. Broccoli Substitutes
Broccoli serves as the star of this soup, delivering vibrant color and earthy flavor. If you don’t have broccoli or prefer a variation, try these alternatives:
- Cauliflower: Similar in structure to broccoli, cauliflower creates a creamy, mild base for soup. It pairs beautifully with Stilton or other blue cheeses.
- Spinach: For a more vibrant green color and a slightly sweeter flavor, replace broccoli with fresh spinach. Add spinach at the end of cooking, as it wilts quickly and doesn’t need a long simmer.
- Zucchini (Courgette): Zucchini brings a subtle sweetness and creamy texture without overpowering the soup. You can blend it into the soup for a silky result.
- Leeks: Use leeks for a milder, onion-like base that complements the Stilton. Leeks can be combined with spinach or other vegetables for variety.
2. Stilton Cheese Substitutes
Stilton cheese gives the soup its signature tangy, salty flavor, but it might not be suitable for everyone due to strong flavors or accessibility. Here are potential replacements:
- Gorgonzola: An excellent option as it shares Stilton’s creamy texture and bold taste, though slightly less intense.
- Roquefort: This French blue cheese is sharper and creamier than Stilton. If you enjoy intense flavors, Roquefort works perfectly.
- Goat Cheese: For a milder, tangy flavor, replace Stilton with soft goat cheese or chèvre. It adds a hint of creaminess without the powerful blue cheese taste.
- Cheddar Cheese: If blue cheese isn’t your thing, sharp white cheddar adds richness and a slight tang. Choose aged cheddar for more flavor depth.
- Non-Dairy Cheese (Vegan Option): Use plant-based blue-style cheese or vegan cheddar-style cheese for a dairy-free alternative. Brands like Violife or Follow Your Heart work well in this soup.
3. Potato Substitutes for Thickness
Potato is often used in this recipe to give the soup a naturally thick and creamy texture. If you prefer to skip potatoes or need alternatives, consider these options:
- Sweet Potato: Use diced sweet potato for a slightly sweeter note. The texture will still blend into the soup seamlessly.
- Celeriac (Celery Root): This overlooked vegetable adds an earthy flavor and creamy consistency when blended, making it a perfect substitute for potatoes.
- White Beans (Cannellini or Butter Beans): If you’d like to boost protein while thickening your soup, whizz cooked white beans into the mixture.
- Rice: Add a handful of uncooked rice to the soup during cooking. Once the rice cooks and absorbs liquid, blending it results in a naturally thickened soup.
4. Stock Substitutes
Stock is essential for flavor depth, but there are plenty of alternatives if you don’t have vegetable or chicken stock on hand:
- Homemade Stock: Create your own stock from vegetable scraps, such as onion skins and carrot tops. Boil with water, salt, and a bay leaf for 30 minutes.
- Bouillon Cubes or Stock Powder: Dissolve bouillon cubes in hot water to create an instant stock. Adjust the salt in your recipe carefully.
- Water + Seasoning: For a simple swap, use water and enhance the soup’s flavor by adding extra garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and dried herbs like thyme or bay leaf.
5. Onion Substitutes
Onions add a sweet and savory base flavor to the soup. If you’re out of onions or need a gentler alternative, try these replacements:
- Leeks: Substituting leeks for onions provides a milder, slightly sweet flavor with the same aromatics.
- Shallots: Shallots work well as a substitute, offering a delicate, slightly sweet taste in place of regular onions.
- Garlic: If you want a more robust flavor, use minced garlic instead of onions. Add fewer garlic cloves to avoid overpowering the dish.
- Celery: Celery provides a fresh, aromatic, and slightly peppery flavor that blends naturally into the soup.
6. Cream Substitutes
Cream is an optional addition to make the soup extra indulgent, but there are lighter or dairy-free substitutes to try:
- Milk: Regular cow’s milk is a lighter alternative to cream. Whole milk will provide the best richness.
- Greek Yogurt: For a healthier swap, stir in Greek yogurt (plain and unsweetened) for creaminess and a slight tang.
- Coconut Milk (Vegan Option): Full-fat coconut milk offers a creamy texture and works well for a dairy-free version. Be mindful of the subtle coconut flavor it introduces.
- Cashew Cream (Vegan Option): Blend soaked cashews with water until smooth to create a creamy, neutral-tasting substitute.
Final Thoughts
This Jamie Oliver’s Broccoli and Stilton Soup is more than a recipe—it’s a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for cozying up on a chilly evening. By following Jamie Oliver’s simple approach, you’ll create a dish that’s both simple to make and rich in flavor.
More Jamie Oliver Recipes:
Ingredients
- 500g broccoli
- 150g Stilton cheese
- 1 large onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 medium-sized potato
- 1 liter vegetable stock
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Cream (optional)
- Croutons
Instructions
- Begin by washing your broccoli thoroughly and cutting it into small florets. Peel and dice the potato into small chunks for faster cooking.
- Heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic (if using) to the pot and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened but not browned.
- Stir in the broccoli florets and diced potato, making sure everything is evenly coated in the oil or butter.
- Add the vegetable or chicken stock until the broccoli and potato are just submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer for around 15-20 minutes, or until the broccoli and potato are soft and can be pierced easily with a fork.
- Remove the pot from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, transfer the mixture to a high-speed blender in batches.
- Stir in the crumbled Stilton cheese, ensuring it melts completely and infuses the soup with its distinct, tangy flavor. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt and pepper.
- If desired, stir in a splash of cream for an extra luxurious texture.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, top with croutons or pair with crusty bread, and garnish with a little extra Stilton cheese or fresh herbs, like parsley or chives. Serve warm and savor!
