Vegan High-Protein Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting yet nourishing bowl that checks all the boxes, let me introduce you to this absolutely delightful Vegan High-Protein Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe. Picture velvety, cheesy goodness made entirely without dairy, powered by wholesome chickpea flour and brimming with vibrant broccoli florets. This soup is everything you want on a chilly day: hearty, creamy, packed with protein, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just exploring plant-based meals, this soup is bound to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, accessible ingredients come together beautifully in this soup, each playing a crucial role in delivering that luscious texture and rich, tangy flavor reminiscent of traditional cheese soup. These basics bring color, nourishment, and depth to every spoonful.

• Broccoli: The star green veggie that adds freshness, fiber, and delightful bite to the soup.
• Chickpea flour: Acts as a creamy, protein-rich base that’s perfect for thickening and gives the soup body.
• Nutritional yeast: Imparts that signature cheesy umami flavor without any dairy.
• Tomato paste: Adds subtle sweetness and depth of flavor for complexity.
• Onion powder: A quick way to infuse savory aroma and depth.
• Garlic powder: Brings warm, mellow garlic notes that balance the overall flavor.
• Fine sea salt and ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the ingredients.
• Dijon mustard: Gives a subtle tang and helps brighten the soup’s flavor profile.
• Fresh lemon juice: Adds a refreshing punch to cut through the creaminess.
• Water: The cooking medium that helps create the perfect soup consistency.

How to Make Vegan High-Protein Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Broccoli

Start by cutting off the broccoli florets from the head and placing them aside. Don’t toss the stems! Save those for another delicious use, like steaming or adding to salads later. Finely chop the florets to ensure they will cook evenly and blend beautifully into the soup.

Step 2: Create the Chickpea Flour Base

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 and 1/3 cups of chickpea flour with 1 and 1/2 cups of water until smooth and lump-free. Then stir in the nutritional yeast, tomato paste, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture is the flavorful, high-protein “cheesy” base that gives the soup its signature rich texture.

Step 3: Cook the Base

Pour the chickpea flour mixture and the remaining water (around 5 and 1/2 cups) into a large saucepan. Whisk constantly over high heat until it comes to a gentle boil. Then lower the heat to medium-low and continue cooking for 4 to 6 minutes, whisking regularly until the soup thickens into a creamy sauce. Stir in the Dijon mustard to add a gentle tang that enhances the overall flavor.

Step 4: Add and Cook Broccoli

Add the chopped broccoli into your thickened base, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes or until the broccoli reaches tender perfection. This step ensures that the florets soften but still hold their shape and vibrant green color.

Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serve

Before serving, stir in fresh lemon juice for a zesty brightness. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Then ladle this luscious, high-protein soup into bowls and get ready to dig in!

How to Serve Vegan High-Protein Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra nutritional yeast on top for added cheesy flavor, or add some freshly cracked black pepper and chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or chives. Crispy roasted chickpeas or a dusting of smoked paprika can also create appealing texture and color contrast.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with a crusty whole grain bread or toasted sourdough to soak up every last drop. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the creaminess perfectly, or serve it alongside roasted sweet potatoes for a fulfilling meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve the soup in individual mason jars or mini bread bowls. Swirl in a drizzle of plant-based cream or vegan pesto for extra flair. You could also layer it with crunchy granola-style topping made of toasted seeds and nuts for a surprising twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This vegan high-protein broccoli cheese soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually meld together more after a day, making leftovers even tastier!

Freezing

You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water or plant milk if the soup feels too thick. Microwave reheating also works well in shorter bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works great and can be added directly to the soup during the cooking process. Just adjust cooking time slightly if needed to achieve your desired tenderness.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes! The whole soup is naturally gluten-free, thanks to the use of chickpea flour instead of regular flour. Just make sure your nutritional yeast and other ingredients are labeled gluten-free if you have sensitivity.

Can I substitute the chickpea flour with another flour?

Chickpea flour is key here for its protein content and thickening power. Other flours may change the texture and protein level, so it’s best to stick with chickpea flour for the authentic experience.

How long does the soup take to make?

From start to finish, this soup comes together in about 25 minutes—quick and easy for a weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but is totally healthy.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in diced carrots, celery, or sautéed mushrooms to customize your soup. Just adjust cooking times to ensure all veggies become tender.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan High-Protein Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe is one of those cozy dishes that makes eating healthy feel like a treat. It’s creamy, flavorful, and packed with nourishing ingredients that keep you full and satisfied. I truly can’t recommend it enough for your next meal—give it a try and watch it quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.

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