There’s nothing quite like a bowl of creamy, comforting soup, and this Instant Pot recipe takes it to the next level! We’re combining earthy broccoli, tender cabbage, and savory bacon into a velvety-smooth soup that’s both incredibly easy and ridiculously delicious. Thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot, you can have this gourmet-tasting meal on the table in under an hour. It’s the perfect low-carb, high-flavor dish for a chilly evening or a quick weeknight dinner. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite soup!
Ingredients
• 1 lb / 450g broccoli, chopped into florets
• 1 cup / 90g cabbage, shredded
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 5 medium-sized bacon slices, chopped
• 2 tbsp / 30ml olive oil
• 1 cup / 240ml vegetable stock
• 1 cup / 240ml full-fat milk
• 1 cup / 225g full-fat cream cheese, softened
• Spices & Seasoning
• 1 tsp / 2g dried thyme
• ½ tsp fresh oregano, finely chopped
• 1 tsp / 6g sea salt, or to taste
• ½ tsp / 1g ground white pepper
• 1 bay leaf
Instructions
1. Directions
2. Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add the chopped bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of rendered fat in the pot.
3. Add the chopped red onion to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it begins to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the chopped broccoli and cabbage. Sprinkle with the dried thyme, fresh oregano, sea salt, and white pepper. Pour in the vegetable stock and milk, then add the bay leaf.
5. Secure the lid, set the steam release valve to “Sealing,” and press the “Soup” or “Pressure Cook” button. Cook on “High” pressure for 10 minutes.
6. Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick pressure release by carefully moving the valve to the “Venting” position.
7. When the float valve drops, open the lid and remove the bay leaf. Let the soup cool for a few minutes.
8. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup to a blender and blend in batches, then return it to the pot.
9. Stir in the softened cream cheese until it is fully melted and incorporated. Stir in half of the reserved crispy bacon.
10. Serve warm, garnished with the remaining crispy bacon.
Nutritional Information
• Per Serving: Calories 478 | Total Fats 38.9g | Net Carbs: 12.3g | Protein 19.1g | Fiber: 4.2g
Pro Tips
• For the best texture, cook the bacon first until crisp. Use half in the soup for flavor and reserve the other half for a crunchy garnish.
• Use an immersion (stick) blender to blend the soup directly in the Instant Pot. It’s faster, safer, and means less cleanup than transferring hot liquid to a traditional blender.
• Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before stirring it in. This helps it melt smoothly into the soup without creating lumps.
• For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and sauté the onions in olive oil. Add a ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika with the other spices to mimic a smoky flavor.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this broccoli cabbage soup vegetarian
A: Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version. Simply omit the bacon and sauté the onions in olive oil. To add a similar smoky flavor, stir in ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika along with the other spices.
Q: How do I get the soup perfectly smooth and creamy
A: For a velvety-smooth texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the Instant Pot after cooking. Also, ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before stirring it in to prevent lumps and help it melt evenly.
Q: Is this Instant Pot soup recipe low-carb
A: Yes, this is a great low-carb soup option. Each serving contains approximately 12.3g of net carbs, making it a flavorful and satisfying choice for a low-carb diet.
Q: How long does this soup take to cook in the Instant Pot
A: After sautéing the initial ingredients, the soup pressure cooks on ‘High’ for just 10 minutes, followed by a quick pressure release. The total time from start to finish is under an hour.
