Making something from nothing seems so magical! Cooking up a steaming bowl of hearty soup from what we typically see as ‘extra’—or at the best something to compost—makes you feel like a real homesteader.

And anyone who has grown broccoli knows, there’s a LOT of extra leaves on those plants! Plus there are so many nutrients—AND so much flavor in the leaves we often toss onto the compost heap.

But this broccoli leaf soup recipe gives you an option for making a delicious, hearty soup with humble beginnings. The broccoli leaves act a lot like collards, and you can use any broccoli leaf that’s still green and not dried out. P.S. my boys actually enjoy de-stemming the leaves, which is the only real prep work to this one-pot soup!

This varies in ingredients and final texture from my Best Broccoli Soup recipe, as the leaves give it a different depth of flavor.

Warm up with a bowl of delicious broccoli leaf soup! This nutritious and easy-to-make recipe transforms broccoli leaves into a flavorful dish that's perfect for any season. Packed with vitamins and a delightful blend of spices, it's a fantastic way to reduce waste and embrace healthy eating. Ideal for homesteading enthusiasts, this soup is a great addition to your collection of broccoli leaf recipes, allowing you to make the most of your homegrown produce.

Broccoli Leaf Soup Recipe

Ingredients

1 Tbsp olive oil + butter (each)
1 large yellow onion
3 cloves garlic
½ pound broccoli leaves (de-stemmed)
A few extra broccoli stems and florets if you have them
1 tbsp thyme
1 tbsp parsley
1 15oz can chickpeas
(OR)
2 medium potatoes (Yukon gold work well)
1 quart chicken broth
½ cup of half and half (or whatever milk or cream you have)
2–3 tbsp cream cheese

Directions

First, sautée onion, garlic, and herbs, then add broccoli leaves and wilt for a few minutes. Next, add in chicken stock and simmer for 20 minutes. Really cook those greens down.

Remove from heat and add (in two phases if needed) to blender along with milk/cream and cream cheese.

Puree well—it will take time. It never gets truly silky, but there is something so satisfying about the texture.

Enjoy Your Soup!

You can add more protein and another layer of flavor with ham or bacon, but it isn’t necessary. With the beans it has enough protein and is really filling. Of course you can always add some cheese (a sharp cheddar is our favorite) or even some microgreens to dress it up a bit.

If you’re looking for more soup ideas, I’ve got a whole lot more listed on my Homestead Recipes page.

Happy Slurping!
-Michelle