Description
Classic broccoli cheddar soup delivers comfort in a warm bowl of creamy goodness. Cheese and broccoli mingle with rich ingredients, creating a satisfying meal you’ll savor with each delightful spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 large carrot, peeled and grated
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 tbsps unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Aromatic Foundation: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic and cook for one minute, releasing its fragrant essence.
- Roux Creation: Sprinkle flour over the softened vegetables, whisking continuously to eliminate raw flour taste and create a smooth base, cooking for two minutes.
- Liquid Integration: Gradually pour chicken broth and milk into the pot, whisking consistently to prevent lumps from forming. Ensure a silky, uniform texture throughout.
- Vegetable Infusion: Introduce chopped broccoli florets and grated carrots into the liquid. Simmer gently, allowing vegetables to soften and release their flavors, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Texture Refinement: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot, or carefully transfer to a standard blender, creating a creamy, uniform consistency. If using a blender, return pureed mixture to the pot.
- Cheese Incorporation: Reduce heat and gradually fold in cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted. Maintain a low temperature to preserve the cheese’s smooth texture.
- Seasoning Harmony: Enhance the soup with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a subtle hint of nutmeg. Adjust seasonings to taste, creating a balanced flavor profile.
- Presentation: Ladle the soup into serving bowls. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley or chives, and serve alongside crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Prevent Cheese Separation: Reduce heat before adding cheese and stir gradually to maintain smooth, creamy texture without curdling.
- Vegetable Cooking Technique: Simmer broccoli and carrots gently to preserve nutrients and prevent overcooking, which can turn vegetables mushy and dull.
- Roux Mastery: Whisk flour thoroughly during roux-making to eliminate raw flour taste and create a silky, lump-free base for the soup.
- Blending Options: Use immersion blender for easier cleanup, or transfer to standard blender in batches if seeking ultra-smooth consistency, ensuring careful handling of hot liquid.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg