Broccoli is one of the healthiest green vegetables you can eat. Broccoli belongs to the cruciferous vegetable family, which includes kale, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, bok choy, cabbage, collard greens, rutabaga and turnips. These nutrition powerhouses supply loads of nutrients for little calories. If you are trying to eat healthier, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli should be at the very top of your grocery list.
Spinach is well known for its nutritional qualities and has always been regarded as a plant with remarkable abilities to restore energy, increase vitality and improve the quality of the blood. There are sound reasons why spinach would produce such results, primarily the fact that it is rich in iron.
My recipe today, adapted from Martha Stewart, is a Broccoli Spinach Soup that is creamy without needing the addition of cream or milk. Instead, the recipe calls for tahini (sesame paste) which adds a wonderful flavor and texture to the soup. I served it with parmesan pita toasts as a garnish and it was heavenly!
Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1 leek, white and pale green parts thinly sliced
- 4 cups low sodium chicken stock
- 1 bunch broccoli, chopped (6 cups)
- 6 ounces spinach (6 cups)
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for toast and garnish
- 2 Tablespoons tahini
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
- 2 pieces pita bread
Directions
- Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add leek and cook until tender, about 4 minutes. Add stock; bring to a boil. Add broccoli and cook, covered, until bright green and tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Stir in spinach, 1/3 cup Parmesan, and tahini. Let cool slightly. Season with salt and pepper.
- Working in batches, puree soup in a blender until smooth.
- Preheat oven to 375°. Drizzle pita with olive oil and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Toast bread in oven until nicely golden, about 5 minutes. Cut into quarters.
- Garnish soup with grated Parmesan and serve with pita toast.
(Printable recipe can be found in my recipe index under Soups)