SPINACH-BROCCOLI SOUP WITH GARLIC AND CILANTRO

Spinach-Broccoli Soup with Garlic and Cilantro image

Number Of Ingredients 10

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Ingredients

10 ounce 1 head of broccoli
1 tablespoon Olive oil
1 Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
3 tablespoon Virgin coconut oil or olive oil
1 l 1 large onion, chopped
6 clove 6 garlic cloves, 4 cloves chopped, 2 cloves thinly
5 cups 5 (or more) cups low-sodium chicken broth
3/4 cup Cilantro leaves with tender stems
2 bunches 2 bunches spinach, trimmed
1/2 teaspoon Finely grated lemon zest

Steps:

Preheat oven to 400°. Separate broccoli stalk from florets. Finely chop florets, transfer to a rimmed baking sheet, and toss with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and roast, tossing halfway through, until dark brown and tender, 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile, trim and peel broccoli stalk; chop and set aside.
Heat 2 Tbsp. coconut oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high. Add onion and chopped garlic; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion begins to soften, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover pot, and cook, checking and stirring occasionally, until onion and garlic are very soft, 25-30 minutes (this long, slow cooking draws maximum flavor out of the vegetables). Add broccoli stem, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 5-10 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high, add 5 cups broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld, 10-15 minutes. Let cool slightly.
Set aside 1/4 cup cilantro for serving. Blanch spinach and remaining cilantro in a large pot of boiling salted water until bright green and just wilted, about 30 seconds. Drain and transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking; let cool. Drain; squeeze out excess liquid.
Working in batches, purée soup base and blanched spinach and cilantro in a blender until very smooth (make sure lid is slightly ajar to let steam escape; cover with a towel). Transfer to a large bowl or pitcher.
Pour soup back into pot and thin with broth, if needed. Taste and season with salt and pepper; keep warm.
Heat remaining 1 Tbsp. coconut oil in a small skillet over medium. Cook sliced garlic, swirling skillet often, until golden brown, about 1 minute. Transfer garlic to a small bowl with a slotted spoon; set garlic oil aside.
Add roasted broccoli florets, lemon zest, and reserved cilantro leaves to garlic and toss to combine. Serve soup topped with broccoli-garlic mixture and drizzled with reserved garlic oil.
Do ahead: Soup (without broccoli-garlic mixture) can be made 4 days ahead, though its bright green color will fade over time. Let cool; cover and chill. Cover and chill raw broccoli florets separately. Roast broccoli and prepare topping just before serving.