Creamy Broccoli and Cheddar Soup
A warm and comforting dish that's perfect for cooler weather.
Here's how to make it:
Ingredients
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 medium heads)
3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Pinch of nutmeg (optional, but it adds depth of flavor)
Instructions
Prepare the Broccoli: Start by washing and chopping the broccoli into small florets. You can also peel and chop the broccoli stems if you like.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until they become fragrant and the onion turns translucent, about 5 minutes.
Cook the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the pot and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Simmer with Broth: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it's smooth and creamy. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the hot soup to a regular blender in batches, making sure to vent the lid slightly to allow steam to escape. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.
Add Cream and Cheese: Return the pureed soup to the pot if you use a blender. Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half and the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue to cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra shredded cheddar cheese if you like.
This creamy broccoli and cheddar soup is a wonderful fall comfort food that's sure to warm you up on a chilly day. Enjoy it with a crusty bread or some croutons for added texture.
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