Recipe: Broccoli Cheese Soup
Broccoli cheese soup is a classic comfort food that is both delicious and nutritious. Made with fresh broccoli and creamy cheese, this soup is perfect for warming up on a chilly day. With the right ingredients and simple steps, you can easily recreate this hearty soup in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
– 1 cup milk
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until they become translucent and fragrant.
2. Sprinkle the flour into the pot and stir well, ensuring the onion and garlic are coated. Cook for another minute to cook off the raw flour taste.
3. Slowly pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, until slightly thickened.
4. Add the broccoli florets to the pot and simmer for an additional 10 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but still retains its vibrant green color.
5. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree about half of the soup until smooth. Be careful when blending hot liquids, as they can splatter. Alternatively, you can use a potato masher to mash some of the broccoli florets to desired consistency.
6. Return the soup to the pot and stir in the milk. Heat the soup over low heat, making sure not to boil it.
7. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts and incorporates into the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Once the cheese has melted completely, remove the soup from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
9. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional grated cheese if desired.
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings of broccoli cheese soup.
Estimated cooking time: 30 minutes.