While I tend to prefer fresh broccoli, this soup is also great made with frozen broccoli florettes. Just pop the frozen broccoli straight in the pan – it shouldn’t take much longer to cook and will save you the chopping step. To make this soup in under 10 minutes, boil water in the kettle to speed things along. When chopping the broccoli, I like to finely slice most of the stems and add them to the pot so I minimize the wastage.

enough for: 2
takes: 15 minutes
3 – 4 tablespoons green curry paste
1 can coconut milk (400mL / 1 1/2cups)
2 heads broccoli, chopped into bight sized trees
2 – 3 tablespoons peanut butter

1. Heat a large saucepan on a high heat. Add a few tablespoons of cream from the top of the coconut milk or some oil. Stir fry the curry paste for 15-30 seconds or until you notice the aroma. Be careful not to burn.

2. Quickly add 2 cups water and the coconut milk. Bring to a simmer. Add broccoli. Bring back to a simmer and cook uncovered for 8-9 minutes or until the broccoli is tender.

3. Remove from the heat. Stir in the peanut butter. Taste and season with a little salt or sugar before serving.

Variations

smooth – purée the soup with a stick blender until you have the texture you’re after.

fragrant – serve with a handful or Thai or regular basil leaves scattered over the top.

nut-free – replace the peanut butter with a little sugar and some fish sauce to season.

almond butter – the first time I made this soup I used some homemade almond butter which was just delicious.

carnivore – simmer some finely sliced chicken breast or thigh fillets along with the broccoli.

other curry paste – while I think green curry works best with broccoli, feel free to use yellow, red or massaman curry pastes.

carb lovers / more substantial – add cooked rice or hokkien noodles.

more veg – add green beans, peas, snowpeas or cauliflower.

Waste Avoidance Strategy

green curry paste / coconut milk / peanut butter – keep in the pantry.

broccoli – will keep for 2 weeks or longer in the fridge. Can be frozen. Best to chop before freezing for quicker defrosting.