Welcome to our delicious broccoli and cheese soup recipe! In this article, we will guide you through the steps to create a warm and comforting bowl of this flavorful soup.
Packed with nutritious broccoli and creamy cheese, this recipe is perfect for cold winter nights or any time of the year when you crave a comforting and satisfying soup. So, let’s get started!.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients you will need:.
- 4 cups of broccoli florets
- 1 medium-sized onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 3 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups of milk
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
Start by cutting the broccoli into small florets. Discard the tough stalks and keep the florets aside. Rinse them under cold water to remove any impurities.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir well to combine and cook for a minute or two to remove the raw flour taste. This mixture is called a roux and will help thicken the soup.
Step 4: Add Broth and Milk
Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth while constantly stirring the mixture. This will ensure that the broth incorporates smoothly with the roux. Next, add the milk and stir well. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 5: Cook the Broccoli
Add the prepared broccoli florets to the soup mixture. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and allow the broccoli to cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until it becomes tender.
Step 6: Blend the Soup
After the broccoli is tender, use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the soup until smooth. If using a regular blender, be sure to blend in batches and allow the soup to cool slightly before blending.
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Step 7: Add Cheese and Seasoning
Return the blended soup to the pot and place it over low heat. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and incorporates into the soup. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the creamy broccoli and cheese soup into bowls. You can garnish it with additional shredded cheese, croutons, or even crispy bacon if desired. Serve hot and savor the delicious flavors!.
Variations
While the basic broccoli and cheese soup recipe is absolutely delightful, you can add your own twist to it. Here are a few variations you can explore:.
1. Broccoli and Cheddar Soup with Bacon
If you enjoy the smoky and savory flavor of bacon, try adding some crispy bacon crumbles on top of your soup. It adds an extra layer of deliciousness and a satisfying crunch.
2. Broccoli and Cheese Soup with Spices
To add a little kick to your soup, experiment with spices like cayenne pepper or paprika. These spices will elevate the flavor profile and give your soup a subtle heat.
3. Broccoli and Cheese Soup with Cauliflower
If you love both broccoli and cauliflower, why not combine them? You can substitute some of the broccoli florets with cauliflower florets to create a creamy broccoli and cauliflower soup with cheese.
Conclusion
There you have it – a mouthwatering broccoli and cheese soup recipe that will warm you up from the inside out. This hearty soup is an excellent way to enjoy the nutritional benefits of broccoli while indulging in the creamy richness of cheese.
Whether you’re making it for yourself or to impress your family and friends, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So, tie up your apron, gather the ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a comforting bowl of homemade broccoli and cheese soup.
