Description
Creamy broccoli cheddar soup blends robust flavors into a comforting classic that warms hearts during chilly evenings. Sharp cheddar and tender broccoli combine in a rich, velvety blend that delivers pure culinary satisfaction straight to your spoon.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 large carrot, peeled and grated
Aromatic Ingredients:
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
Thickening Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a spacious pot, transform butter into a shimmering base over medium warmth. Introduce finely diced onions and transform them into translucent jewels, approximately 3-4 minutes. Incorporate minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to bloom for an additional minute.
- Delicately dust flour across the aromatic foundation, whisking persistently to eliminate raw undertones and create a silky roux, roughly 2 minutes.
- Methodically stream chicken broth into the mixture, ensuring a velvety consistency. Follow with milk, continuously whisking to banish any potential lumps.
- Gently cascade chopped broccoli florets and grated carrots into the liquid landscape. Allow the concoction to simmer softly, nurturing vegetables until they surrender their tender essence, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- For enhanced smoothness, deploy an immersion blender to transform the soup’s texture. Alternatively, carefully transfer portions to a blender, puree until luxuriously uniform, then reunite with the remaining soup.
- Reduce thermal intensity and incrementally fold grated cheddar, watching it melt into a creamy symphony. Exercise caution to prevent boiling, which might compromise the cheese’s delicate structure.
- Harmonize flavors with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a whisper of nutmeg. Taste and recalibrate seasonings to personal preference.
- Artfully ladle the soup into waiting vessels. Embellish with verdant parsley or chives if desired, and present alongside crusty, rustic bread for a complete culinary experience.
Notes
- Enhance the soup’s flavor by roasting broccoli and carrots before adding them to the pot, which deepens their natural sweetness and adds a caramelized note.
- Create a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same creamy texture without wheat-based ingredients.
- Boost nutritional value by incorporating additional vegetables like cauliflower or spinach, which blend seamlessly with the cheesy base and increase the soup’s nutrient profile.
- Make the soup more protein-rich by stirring in cooked diced chicken or crispy bacon bits, transforming it from a simple side dish to a hearty main course.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg