Depending on the occasion and how it's garnished, cream of broccoli soup can be elegant or it can be homey, so it's a good recipe to have in your arsenal. To boot, broccoli is a vegetable that is available year-round, so seasonality is never an issue.

The broccoli for the soup is cooked before it’s pureed and has a unique issue that requires attention: sturdy broccoli stems require longer cooking than the more delicate florets. Therefore, the stems are sautéed along with the onion to give them a headstart on cooking, and the florets are added later and simmered in the stock until just done.

Crisp, buttery croutons seasoned—or not—with garlic are an excellent garnish for the soup.

Total Cooking Time: 40

Preparation Time: 10

Active Cooking Time: 30

Make Ahead: Serve immediately

Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Difficulty: Easy