Broccoli Soup

INDIA

Spiced & Creamy Vegetable Soup

SUBMITTED BY

Ahzam

Ahzam shared his mother’s way of making broccoli soup and I think it blows any broccoli soup I’ve had previously out of the water!

Indian Broccoli Soup is a flavorful example of how global produce can find a meaningful place in regional cuisine. While broccoli originated in the Mediterranean, its widespread popularity in India is often linked to the efforts of agricultural innovator Jitendra Ladkat. In the 1990s, Ladkat recognized the vegetable’s commercial potential and nutritional value, introducing improved broccoli cultivation practices to Indian farmers. His work helped adapt the crop to local growing conditions, making it more accessible in markets across the country. What was once considered an exotic import soon became a staple in urban households and restaurant menus.

This Indian Broccoli Soup celebrates that journey with a creative, spice-forward approach. Fresh broccoli florets are sautéed in ghee and oil with ginger, garlic, and green chili, forming a fragrant base rooted in classic Indian cooking techniques. Turmeric, black pepper, red chili powder, and bay leaf add warmth and depth, transforming the humble vegetable into a bold, comforting dish. Carrots and potato lend natural sweetness and body, while chopped tomato balances the earthy flavors.

After simmering until tender, the vegetables are blended with fresh cilantro for a vibrant green finish. A splash of heavy cream creates a velvety texture, and a squeeze of lemon juice brightens each spoonful. This Broccoli Soup reflects modern Indian cuisine’s adaptability—honoring traditional spices while embracing ingredients introduced through innovation in the 1990s. It’s nourishing, aromatic, and a perfect showcase of broccoli’s successful integration into India’s evolving food landscape.

Broccoli Soup

Servings 2

Equipment

  • blender or immersion blender

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium head broccoli cut into florets
  • 1 small tomato chopped
  • 2 medium carrots chopped
  • 50 g fresh cilantro
  • 1 small potato chopped
  • 1 Tbsp ghee
  • ½ Tbsp oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 inch ginger finely chopped
  • 1 green chili finely chopped
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp turmeric
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • salt to taste
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • lemon juice to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a pot over medium heat, add the ghee and oil. Fry the onions until golden brown.
  • Add the ginger and garlic and saute until fragrant.
  • Add the spices and green chili and saute till fragrant.
  • Add the broccoli, carrots, potato, and tomato. Saute for a few minutes to let the veggies absorb the flavors.
  • Add enough water to cover the vegetables, about 2-3 cups of water. Simmer until vegetables are soft, about 20 minutes.
  • Cool slightly then remove the bay leaf and add the cilantro.
  • Blend with a blender or immersion blender until smooth.
  • Return soup to the heat. Add cream and season to taste.
  • Serve warm with a squeeze of lemon juice.
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Region: Asia

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About Beryl

I have been in the film and media industry for the past 12 years and have worked for companies including Great Big Story, ABC, CNN, Martha Stewart, News Corporation, Harper Collins and Fast Company.