Start by preparing the broccoli. Remove any leaves, break off the florets, and roughly chop them. Don’t forget to chop the stalks into slices as they are full of flavor too.
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion, celery, and the chopped broccoli stalks. Sauté for about 5 to 6 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Next, pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the broccoli florets and any leaves you may have set aside. Allow everything to cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, until all the broccoli is soft.
Once the broccoli is tender, remove the soup from the heat. If you're using cream, stir it in at this stage for a richer flavor and let the soup cool for a couple of minutes.
Now, it’s time to blend! Use a handheld immersion blender to blitz the soup until it reaches a silky smooth consistency. If you’re using a traditional blender, be sure to vent the lid by covering it with a tea towel to prevent any splatter.
After blending, stir in the crumbled Stilton, reserving a few crumbles for garnish. This will add a wonderful richness to the soup.
Finally, taste your soup and season with freshly grated nutmeg and black pepper according to your preference. Adjust any flavors to make the soup truly yours.
Serve hot, garnished with the reserved Stilton crumbles, and enjoy the cozy warmth that comes with every spoonful of your delicious Broccoli and Stilton Soup.
