Mary Berry's 'comforting' broccoli soup will be creamy and tangy with 1 extra ingredient

As the crisp air of autumn settles in and the evenings grow darker, there's nothing quite as satisfying as having a cosy, homemade meal. This is the season for comfort cooking, and Mary Berry's broccoli soup is the perfect example of this, with the aim of warming you from the inside out by using simple ingredients.

The creamy texture of the blended broccoli pairs beautifully with her signature ingredient: blue cheese. Recalling the famous chef's dish, a food expert from British Baking Recipes shared: "This Mary Berry Broccoli and Stilton Soup is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that brings together the earthiness of broccoli and the sharp, tangy taste of Stilton cheese. Perfect as a starter or a warming lunch, this classic British soup is both comforting and nutritious."

Ingredients

• 400g broccoli
• One large onion
• One clove of garlic
• Two tablespoons of butter
• 750ml of vegetable stock
• 150g of Stilton cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 100ml milk or cream (optional)
• A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Method

Begin by melting the butter over medium heat, allowing it to foam slightly before adding the chopped onion and minced garlic. Let them cook together for about five to seven minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and fragrant.

Next, add the broccoli to the pot and give everything a good stir so the broccoli is well coated in the buttery onion mixture. Let it cook for another two to three minutes.

Now it's time to add the vegetable stock. Pour it in and stir gently to combine. Bring the mixture up to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it bubble away softly for about 10-12 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender enough to pierce easily with a fork.

Once the vegetables are perfectly cooked, blend the soup to achieve a smooth, velvety texture. For convenience, you can use a hand blender directly in the pot, or if you prefer, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender. Blend until you reach your desired consistency.

Return the soup to the pot if needed, then stir in the Stilton cheese and milk (if using). Gently heat the soup while stirring until the cheese has melted and the mixture turns rich and creamy. The aroma at this stage will be wonderfully inviting.

Before serving, add salt and pepper to suit your taste. If you'd like a little extra warmth, a small pinch of nutmeg is a great addition. Finally, ladle the soup into warm bowls and finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley.