Craving a comforting, creamy, and cheesy meal that’s also packed with veggies? This Broccoli Cheese Soup is the perfect answer. It’s rich, velvety, and loaded with tender broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make soup is great for a cozy lunch or dinner. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 medium heads)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional for a little heat)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Broccoli:
Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch them for 3-4 minutes until tender but still bright green. Drain the broccoli and set it aside. You can chop the florets into smaller pieces if desired.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Make the Soup Base:
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes to form a roux (this helps thicken the soup). Slowly whisk in the broth and milk, making sure there are no lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture begins to thicken, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the Broccoli and Cheese:
Once the soup has thickened, stir in the cooked broccoli. Add the mustard powder (if using) and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne if you like a little spice. Reduce the heat to low, then gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the soup is smooth and creamy.
5. Blend (Optional):
For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some broccoli chunks for texture. If you prefer a completely smooth soup, blend it all the way. Otherwise, leave it chunky for a heartier bite.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the hot broccoli cheese soup into bowls and garnish with extra shredded cheese, a sprinkle of pepper, or even a few croutons for added crunch.
This Broccoli Cheese Soup is a cozy, delicious dish perfect for any chilly day. Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Laisser un commentaire