Thickening Broccoli Cheese Soup For Keto: Easy Tricks

There are several ways to thicken broccoli cheese soup while keeping it keto-friendly.

One way is to add a thickening agent such as xanthan gum or arrowroot powder. However, these should be used sparingly as too much can lead to an undesirable consistency. Another option is to use an immersion blender to puree the soup, creating a thicker and creamier texture. Additionally, adding extra cheese, such as cream cheese or shredded cheese, can also help to thicken the soup. Finally, simply allowing the soup to simmer over low heat will cause the liquids to gradually evaporate, resulting in a thicker soup.

Using Xanthan Gum

Xanthan gum is a keto-friendly thickening agent that can be used to achieve a creamier texture in your soup. It is a low-carb alternative to cornstarch or flour, which are more traditional thickening agents.

Xanthan gum is derived from plants and is commonly used in gluten-free cooking. You can easily find it at your local grocery store or online. Remember, a little goes a long way! For your broccoli cheese soup, you only need to add 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum to the saucepan. Make sure to stir it well and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Be cautious, as adding too much xanthan gum can result in a slimy consistency.

If you are using a crockpot or slow cooker, sprinkle the xanthan gum on top and cover the pot for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and the gum to work its magic.

Xanthan gum is a great option for those who want to thicken their soup without adding extra ingredients or using flour or cornstarch. It is stable during freeze-thaw cycles, making it ideal for soups that will be frozen and reheated.

Adding extra cheese

If you are shredding your own cheese, it is best to do so by hand. Pre-shredded cheese often has extra additives that can make melting tricky and add extra carbs. Shredding the cheese yourself ensures that all the cheese bits are the same size and will melt smoothly.

It is also important to let the cheese come to room temperature before adding it to the soup. This prevents sudden temperature changes that can cause the cheese to clump up and stick together.

When adding the cheese to the soup, it is best to do so slowly, stirring like a pro before adding more. This will help it melt smoothly and give you that creamy texture you are aiming for.

If you are looking for a heartier soup, you can add some extra shredded cheese on top of your bowl of soup as a garnish. This will not only make your soup thicker but also add an extra cheesy kick to your dish.

So, go ahead and sprinkle some extra cheese into your keto broccoli cheese soup. It will not only thicken your soup but also take the creaminess and richness of your dish to the next level!

Pureeing the broccoli

• After cooking the broccoli florets until they are soft and bright green, remove them from the heat and let them cool slightly.
• Using a slotted spoon, transfer about a third of the broccoli florets to a separate bowl. This step is optional, but it will give your soup a combination of pureed and chunky textures.
• Using an immersion blender, stick blender, or regular blender, carefully puree the broccoli in the pot. Blend until the broccoli is smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining.
• If you prefer a completely smooth soup, you can also add the reserved broccoli florets back into the pot and puree the entire batch. Alternatively, you can blend the soup in batches if your blender has a limited capacity.
• Once your soup reaches the desired consistency, return it to the heat if needed and continue with the recipe.

Using an immersion blender

Step 1: Prepare the Soup

Before blending, make sure you have prepared your soup according to your preferred recipe. Typically, this involves sautéing garlic and onions in butter, adding broth, cream, and seasonings, and then simmering the broccoli until tender.

Step 2: Blend to Your Desired Consistency

Now it's time to break out your immersion blender! Also known as a stick blender, this handy tool lets you puree your soup directly in the pot. You can choose to blend the soup until it's completely smooth, or go for a partially creamy texture by blending only part of the batch.

If you want some broccoli chunks in your soup, try this combination method:

• Remove about 1/3 of the broccoli florets from the pot using a slotted spoon and set them aside.
• Use your immersion blender to puree the remaining soup until smooth.
• Return the reserved broccoli florets to the pot and stir them into the pureed soup.

Step 3: Adjust Seasonings and Serve

After blending, taste your soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can also add some extra shredded cheese for a thicker, richer soup.

Then, simply ladle your soup into bowls and serve! If you want to get fancy, you can top each bowl with some extra shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, or chopped chives. Enjoy your delicious, keto-friendly broccoli cheese soup!

Simmering the soup for longer

Simmering your soup for longer is one of the easiest ways to thicken your keto broccoli cheese soup. The longer you let it simmer, the more liquid will evaporate, resulting in a thicker consistency.

However, it's important to simmer your soup on low heat to avoid overcooking the ingredients and to ensure the cheese doesn't clump up or become grainy.

• Use a thickening agent like xanthan gum. It's a keto-friendly alternative to cornstarch or flour and only a small amount is needed.
• Puree the soup using an immersion blender to break down the broccoli and create a thicker consistency.
• Add extra cheese. Cheese is a natural thickening agent and adding more can help thicken the soup without altering the flavour.
• Use cream cheese. Adding a few small chunks of cream cheese can help to thicken the soup.
• Add more vegetables. Pureeing a larger quantity of vegetables will result in a thicker soup.

Frequently asked questions