Broccoli and Cheddar Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for added flavor)
- Croutons or additional shredded cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Saute Aromatics:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic. Saute until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add Broccoli:
- Add the broccoli florets to the pot. Stir and cook for a few minutes until the broccoli starts to soften.
- Pour in Broth:
- Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook until the broccoli is tender, about 10-15 minutes.
- Blend the Soup:
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender, blending carefully to avoid splatters.
- Add Heavy Cream:
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add Cheddar Cheese:
- Gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the soup, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the soup becomes creamy.
- Season:
- Season the soup with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.
- Simmer:
- Allow the soup to simmer for a few more minutes to meld the flavors. If the soup is too thick, you can add more broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve:
- Ladle the Broccoli and Cheddar Soup into bowls.
- Garnish (Optional):
- Garnish the soup with croutons or additional shredded cheese if desired.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the soup hot and enjoy this comforting and flavorful Broccoli and Cheddar Soup.
Note:
- Feel free to customize the soup by adding diced carrots or cauliflower for extra veggies.
- For a smoother texture, blend the soup until completely smooth. For a chunkier soup, blend only a portion of it, leaving some broccoli florets intact.
- Adjust the level of creaminess by adding more or less heavy cream according to your preference.
This Broccoli and Cheddar Soup is a classic comfort food, perfect for warming up on chilly days. The combination of broccoli and sharp cheddar creates a rich and satisfying soup that’s both delicious and easy to make.