Broccoli-Spinach Soup with Parmesan Croutons

Fresh broccoli and spinach partner up in this creamy, fresh take on a winter classic soup. To keep the color vibrant, after you blanch the vegetables, cool them down with cold water before adding them to the blender. The parmesan croutons will give your favorite main dish salads an extra boost in taste and texture – make a double batch and keep a container on your kitchen counter.

Add to Cozi

Ingredients

2 tablespoons plus 2 3/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided
2 (10-oz.) pkg. fresh broccoli florets, divided (about 8 cups)
1 pound fresh baby spinach (about 16 cups)
2 cups unsalted chicken stock
1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
1/2 cup half-and-half
3/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided
4 ounces French bread, torn into 1-inch pieces
2 ounces Parmesan cheese, shredded (about 1/2 cup)
1/4 cup olive oil, divided
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (from 1 small lemon)

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 425°F. Bring 4 quarts water and 2 tablespoons of the salt to a boil in a large pot over high. Set 1 cup of the broccoli aside. Add remaining broccoli to pot, and cook 3 minutes. Add spinach, pushing down to submerge in water. Cook 1 minute or until broccoli is tender and spinach is wilted. Remove 1 cup cooking liquid; set aside. Drain in a colander, discarding remaining cooking liquid. Run cold water over broccoli and spinach, draining well, until cool, 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 2

Process cooked, cooled broccoli and spinach, 1 cup reserved cooking liquid, stock, and parsley in a blender until smooth, 1 minute. Transfer to pot; stir in half-and-half, 2 1/2 teaspoons of the salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of the pepper.

Step 3

Toss together bread, Parmesan, and 3 tablespoons of the oil. Place in 1 layer on 1 side of a greased rimmed baking sheet. Toss reserved 1 cup broccoli with remaining 1 tablespoon oil and 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Place in a single layer on other side of baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven until broccoli is tender and bread is toasted, 7 to 9 minutes.

Step 4

Gently reheat soup over medium until steaming, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in lemon juice. Ladle soup into bowls, and top with roasted broccoli and croutons.

View on Southern Living

What is Cozi?

Cozi is the must-have organizing app for families. Manage schedules, store recipes, plan meals, and never forget your grocery list again. Try Cozi. It's free!