Broccoli and Cheese Soup
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Croutons or additional shredded cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare Ingredients:
- Prepare Broccoli:
- Chop the fresh broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop Onion and Garlic:
- Finely chop the small onion and mince the garlic.
Cook Broccoli:
- Cook Broccoli:
- In a large pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a simmer over medium heat. Add the chopped broccoli and cook until it is tender but still vibrant green. This may take about 5-7 minutes. Remove some cooked broccoli for garnish if desired.
Make Roux:
- Prepare Roux:
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add Flour:
- Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed onion and garlic. Stir continuously to form a roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Add Milk and Cream:
- Pour Milk and Cream:
- Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens.
Melt Cheese:
- Add Shredded Cheese:
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to the milk mixture. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the soup becomes smooth.
- Season with Nutmeg:
- Optionally, add nutmeg for a hint of warmth. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
Combine Broccoli and Cheese:
- Combine Broccoli and Cheese Mixture:
- Add the cooked broccoli to the cheese mixture. Stir well, allowing the flavors to meld. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve Hot:
- Ladle the Broccoli and Cheese Soup into bowls. Garnish with reserved broccoli florets, croutons, or additional shredded cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes:
- Texture: For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup until it reaches your preferred consistency.
- Extras: Consider adding cooked bacon bits or diced ham for extra flavor.
This Broccoli and Cheese Soup is a comforting and cheesy delight, perfect for warming up on chilly days. Enjoy the creamy texture and rich flavors of this classic soup!