As winter tightens its grip and temperatures across the UK plummet into single digits, the craving for a truly comforting, hot bowl of soup becomes undeniable. While supermarket shelves are lined with options, one chef's remarkably simple recipe proves that homemade is best, requiring just three main ingredients and a mere quarter of an hour.
The Ultimate Winter Warmer on a Budget
Featured on the BBC Food website, this brilliant recipe from celebrated chef Nick Nairn is a game-changer for anyone short on time, money, or culinary confidence. The star of the show is a humble head of broccoli, a vegetable staple in most weekly shops. The entire process, from chopping to serving, takes just 15 minutes, and the cost is astonishingly low.
After purchasing the ingredients, the total came to just £1.22 for two generous servings, working out at an incredible 61p per bowl. This makes it an ideal, budget-friendly solution for a quick lunch or a simple, satisfying dinner.
Simple Steps to a Scrumptious Soup
Despite its simplicity, this soup is far from bland. The method is straightforward, but a few chef's tips ensure maximum flavour. You will need a tablespoon of olive oil, one chopped clove of garlic, 500ml of vegetable stock, and 210g of broccoli, using both the florets and the stems to minimise waste.
The crucial first step is to heat the oil and fry the garlic for exactly one and a half minutes. Any longer, and the garlic will burn, imparting a bitter taste that can spoil the entire dish. Once the garlic is fragrant, all the chopped broccoli goes into the pan, followed by the vegetable stock.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer for 13 minutes, or until the broccoli is perfectly tender. When blending, be cautious with added salt, as the stock already provides a salty base. A hand blender works perfectly to achieve a smooth, velvety consistency.
Personal Touches and Serving Suggestions
Once ladled into bowls, a final drizzle of olive oil adds a lovely finish. For those wanting to elevate the dish further, a splash of cream or a crumbling of Stilton cheese blended in at the end creates a richer, creamier texture. The soup is absolutely delicious served with a thick slice of buttered sourdough bread for dipping.
This recipe demonstrates that you don't need a pantry full of exotic ingredients or hours to spare to create a wholesome, warming and delicious meal from scratch. It’s the perfect culinary antidote to a cold British winter day.
