broccoli cheddar soup recipe​

a simple and delicious recipe for broccoli cheddar soup:

Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup milk (or heavy cream for a richer soup)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
2. Add Broccoli and Broth:
   • Add the broccoli florets to the pot, followed by the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
3. Blend the Soup:
   • If you prefer a smooth soup, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches.
   • For a chunkier texture, you can blend only half of the soup and leave the rest as is.
4. Incorporate Milk and Cheese:
   • Return the pureed soup to the pot (if blended) and add the milk (or cream). Stir to combine.
   • Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
5. Season:
   • Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using) to taste. Adjust the seasoning as necessary.
6. Thicken the Soup (Optional):
   • If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mix the all-purpose flour with a bit of cold water to make a slurry and stir it into the soup. Let it cook for a few more minutes until thickened.
7. Serve:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional cheddar cheese or croutons if desired. Enjoy!

Tips:

• For added flavor, you can include some diced carrots or celery when sautéing the onions.
• Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese; Gruyère or fontina can add a nice depth of flavor.
• This soup can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and freezes well, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly upon reheating.

Enjoy your homemade broccoli cheddar soup.