Here’s a delicious and simple recipe for Broccoli Cheese Soup:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or 2 bags of frozen broccoli)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
- 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for a richer soup)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup of carrots, thinly sliced or grated
Instructions:
- Prepare the Broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch the florets until tender, about 5 minutes. If using frozen broccoli, cook according to package instructions.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture and stir well to combine. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour is lightly browned.
- Add the Broth: Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, making sure to smooth out any lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the Broccoli and Carrots: Add the cooked broccoli florets and optional carrots to the pot. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
- Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can blend only a portion of the soup or use a regular blender to blend part of it and then return it to the pot.
- Add the Milk and Cheese: Stir in the milk and bring the soup back to a simmer. Gradually add the shredded cheese, one handful at a time, stirring until completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to let the soup boil, as this can cause the cheese to become grainy.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with extra shredded cheese or croutons if desired.
Enjoy your homemade Broccoli Cheese Soup!