Here’s a comforting and creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe, perfect for chilly days and quick meals:
Ingredients:
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large carrot, shredded or finely chopped
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: A pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor
Instructions:
- Sauté the aromatics:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Make the roux:
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Add broth and dairy:
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Add the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Cook the vegetables:
- Stir in the broccoli florets and shredded carrots.
- Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
- Add the cheese and seasoning:
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, one handful at a time, until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated.
- Add the paprika, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Blend (optional):
- If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks of broccoli for texture. Alternatively, transfer a portion to a blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
- Serve:
- Ladle the warm broccoli cheddar soup into bowls.
- Garnish with extra shredded cheese or croutons if desired.
Notes:
- For a thicker soup, you can reduce the amount of broth slightly or let the soup simmer longer to reduce.
- You can make the soup lighter by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables like cauliflower for a twist!
Enjoy your creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup!
