Cheesy Broccoli Potato Soup (Instapot)

Serves: 6

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes + natural release


Ingredients

Base

  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 large carrot, chopped

  • 3 medium Yukon gold or russet potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 3 cups)

  • 4 cups broccoli florets, divided (reserve 1 cup for the end)

  • 1 celery stalk, chopped

  • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (or water + bouillon)


Creamy “Cheesy” Flavor

  • 1 cup canned white beans (rinsed and drained — cannellini, navy, or great northern)

  • ¼ cup nutritional yeast

  • ½ cup unsweetened plant milk

  • 1 tbsp white or yellow miso paste (optional, for umami depth)

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar)

  • 1 tsp turmeric (for golden “cheese” color)

  • ½ tsp smoked paprika

  • ½ tsp mustard powder (or 1 tsp Dijon)

  • Salt and black pepper to taste


Instant Pot Instructions

  1. Sauté the aromatics (optional but flavorful):
    Turn on Sauté mode (no oil). Add onion, carrot, and celery with a splash of water or broth.
    Cook 3–4 minutes until softened, stirring often. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.

  2. Add main ingredients:
    Add potatoes, 3 cups of the broccoli, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.

  3. Pressure cook:
    Seal lid and set to Manual / High Pressure for 7 minutes.
    Let it naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.

  4. Blend for creaminess:
    Add rinsed canned white beans, nutritional yeast, miso, lemon juice, turmeric, smoked paprika, mustard, and plant milk.
    Blend with an immersion blender directly in the pot until smooth and creamy.
    (Or blend in batches in a blender, then return to the pot.)

  5. Add texture:
    Stir in the remaining 1 cup broccoli florets.
    Turn on Sauté (Low) for 3–5 minutes until the broccoli is tender and bright green.

  6. Final taste:
    Adjust with salt, pepper, and a bit more lemon juice or nutritional yeast if desired.


Optional Garnishes

  • Chopped green onions or chives

  • Sprinkle of smoked paprika or black pepper

  • A few steamed broccoli florets for color and crunch

  • Crushed red pepper for kick


Nutrition Highlights (approx. per serving)

  • Calories: ~195

  • Protein: 8–9g

  • Fiber: 7–8g

  • Fat: 2g (from whole foods)

  • Cholesterol: 0mg