Broccoli & Za'atar Soup with Tahini Cream

Broccoli & Za'atar Soup with Tahini Cream

The idea for this soup came from one of my favorite soups on the blog "Cauliflower & Za'atar Soup." I love za'atar spice blend and use it often to jazz up roasted veggies, sauces or sprinkle it on scrambled eggs. A jar doesn't last long in our house and while it's easy to make your own blend I'm known to stock up from Savory Spice Shop in Portland, Oregon (you can also order from them online). If you're already familiar with za'atar I don't need to convince you that it pairs really well with this broccoli soup. However, if you're skeptical about purchasing a spice blend just for one soup trust me here. This soup will be on rotation all winter long and you'll be able to search many more recipes on the website that use za'atar. Besides, it's a new year and a well stocked spice rack should be a goal of everyone! This soup is a lovely combination of flavors and is so darn creamy (without any cream!) that I can't get enough.  The tahini drizzle that is mixed in at the end is worth the added step (please don't skip that part as it ties all the flavors together!) and while you'll likely end up with extra tahini sauce it's great drizzled on roasted veggies, salads, grain bowls or roasted meats. You'll be happy to have some on hand all week long. I hope you all enjoy this nourishing soup as much as we do. Cheers to a new year and lot's of tasty food!

Broccoli Za'atar Soup

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients

Soup
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 3 teaspoons za'atar
  • 2 whole heads of broccoli, broken into small florets (about 4 cups worth)
  • 1 medium sized yukon gold potato (about 1/2 pound), peeled and roughly chopped (or any white/yellow flesh potato)
  • 1 litre (4 cups) low sodium vegetable broth + additional to thin if needed
  • salt and pepper to taste
Lemon Tahini Sauce
  • 1 clove of garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (tiny tiny pinch here)
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 3-4 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons water + additional to thin as needed
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
Garnishes
  • 1/2 cup parsley, minced
  • 1/4 cup lightly toasted pine nuts
  • za'atar for sprinkling

Preparation

  1. Heat the oil in a heavy bottom pan and cook the onion and garlic over medium-high heat until they begin to soften up, about 5 minutes. Stir in the za'atar, broccoli and potatoes and coat the veggies in the spice mixture. Add the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 25 minutes.
  2. While the soup simmers prepare the tahini sauce. Combine all the ingredients for the sauce and whisk until completely smooth and creamy. This works best with a small food processor, immersion blender, or regular blender. Taste for seasonings and adjust as needed. If the sauce is too thick add a touch more water.
  3. Once the soup has simmered for 25 minutes and the veggies are tender use an immersion blender to puree the soup until completely smooth and creamy. Alternately (and my preferred method) transfer the soup to a high speed blender (you may have to do this in batches) and puree until smooth (see note). Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste for seasonings and keep on low heat until ready to serve.
  4. Divide the soup between bowls. Drizzle each bowl with a few tablespoons of the tahini sauce and garnish with parsley and pine nuts.

Notes

*I prefer pureeing creamy soups in a high powered blender because I've found it results in a smoother texture than with a stick blender *Store extra tahini sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for 5 days

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