I remember the first time I tried Jamie Oliver’s Broccoli and Stilton Soup. I was cold, tired, and craving something that felt like a warm hug. The moment I spooned that first bowl, I was hooked. The creamy Stilton melts into the bright, slightly bitter broccoli, creating a soup that is comforting but still full of personality. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy enough to impress guests yet simple enough to make on a Wednesday evening when you’re just craving something cozy.
This soup is more than a meal. It’s a celebration of flavors, textures, and the magic that happens when ingredients speak to each other. It’s green, it’s cheesy, and it’s soul-soothing.
Jamie Oliver’s Broccoli And Stilton Soup Recipe
Jamie Oliver designed this soup to highlight the beauty of simple, fresh ingredients. It combines hearty broccoli with sharp, creamy Stilton and just a few aromatics to let the vegetables shine. The soup is quick to prepare, forgiving for beginners, and elegant enough for a dinner party. The recipe is all about balance: the subtle bitterness of broccoli, the creaminess of Stilton, and the gentle sweetness of onions all work together in harmony.
Ingredients Needed
I always find it fun to gather ingredients before starting. There’s something satisfying about lining them up and knowing that each one has a purpose. For this soup, you will need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 head of broccoli, chopped (including stems)
- 600 ml vegetable stock
- 150 ml milk or cream
- 100 g Stilton cheese, crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: crusty bread for serving
These are simple pantry staples, yet they combine to make something extraordinary. The Stilton is the hero, but every other ingredient plays a vital supporting role.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Broccoli And Stilton Soup
The first time I made this soup, I followed the steps like a ritual. Each stage felt like part of a story:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan.
- Add the onion and garlic. Cook gently until soft and fragrant.
- Toss in the broccoli and cook for a few minutes to bring out its flavor.
- Pour in the vegetable stock and bring to a gentle boil. Simmer until the broccoli is tender.
- Blend the soup until smooth. You can use a hand blender or a stand blender.
- Stir in the milk or cream for richness.
- Add the crumbled Stilton and mix until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper. Taste as you go.
- Serve hot with crusty bread if desired.
The moment you add Stilton, the soup transforms. It’s like magic-suddenly creamy, tangy, and indulgent.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Broccoli is a powerhouse. It contains sulforaphane, which has antioxidant properties, and fiber that supports digestion. Cooking broccoli lightly preserves nutrients and bright color.
Stilton cheese is not just delicious-it’s a marvel of chemistry. It contains enzymes that break down fats and proteins, giving it that rich, creamy texture and sharp flavor. When Stilton melts into warm soup, it forms a silky emulsion, creating luxurious mouthfeel.
Onions and garlic contain sulfur compounds that enhance flavor and add subtle sweetness when cooked slowly. Olive oil carries fat-soluble vitamins and smooths out the flavors. Every ingredient here is more than taste-it’s science at work.
Expert Tips
I’ve learned a few tricks after many attempts:
- Use fresh broccoli for a vibrant green color and stronger flavor.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli. It should be tender but not mushy.
- Crumble Stilton by hand to avoid clumps and ensure even melting.
- Blend soup carefully to avoid splatters and create a smooth texture.
- Taste before adding salt. Stilton is naturally salty, and too much salt can overpower the soup.
These little adjustments make a huge difference in flavor and texture.
Recipe Variations
I love experimenting with this soup:
- Nutty Twist: Add a handful of toasted walnuts for crunch.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika.
- Green Boost: Mix in spinach or kale for extra nutrition.
- Vegan Version: Use a plant-based Stilton alternative and almond milk.
- Creamy without Dairy: Swap milk/cream for coconut milk for a subtle sweetness.
Each variation changes the character of the soup without losing its comforting essence.
Final Words
The first time you make this soup, serve it hot, and watch someone’s face light up. That’s what food like this does-it connects, comforts, and delights. It’s simple, but it feels special. It’s green, creamy, and perfectly balanced.
The beauty is in its simplicity. Broccoli and Stilton may not sound glamorous at first, but when combined thoughtfully, they create something extraordinary. Every spoonful tells a story.
FAQs
How Long Does Jamie Oliver’s Broccoli And Stilton Soup Take To Cook?
It takes around 30 minutes to cook this soup from start to finish.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Broccoli And Stilton Soup Without Stilton?
Yes, you can substitute stilton with another strong cheese like blue cheese or cheddar if you prefer.
Can I Freeze Broccoli And Stilton Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing and reheat it gently when you’re ready to serve.