Broccoli Cheddar Soup

par

Detailed Recipe for Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Perfect When It’s Chilly) 🧡🖤

When the weather turns cold, nothing beats a warm, comforting bowl of creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup. It’s rich, velvety, and packed with the goodness of fresh vegetables. The sharp flavor of cheddar cheese pairs perfectly with the tender broccoli and carrots, while the creamy base makes each spoonful a comforting delight.

Ingredients Breakdown:

  1. 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
    The butter is essential for sautéing the vegetables and creating a rich, flavorful base. It adds a delicious depth of flavor and helps create the creamy consistency of the soup.
  2. 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
    Onion adds natural sweetness to the soup, which balances the savory elements. Cooking the onion until soft and translucent brings out its sweet, aromatic flavors.
  3. 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
    Celery offers a slight crunch and fresh flavor that complements the creaminess of the soup. It also adds subtle earthiness, making the soup more balanced.
  4. 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
    This acts as a thickening agent, helping the soup achieve that luscious, creamy consistency. It’s crucial for giving the soup body and ensuring it’s hearty enough for a satisfying meal.
  5. 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
    The chicken broth serves as the foundation for the soup’s liquid base. Low-sodium broth allows you to control the salt content and makes the flavors of the vegetables shine through.
  6. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
    These are essential for seasoning and balancing the flavor profile. You can add salt and pepper at each stage of the cooking process for better flavor integration.
  7. 1 large head broccoli, finely chopped
    The broccoli is the star of the soup! It adds a slight crunch and earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the creaminess. Make sure to chop it into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
  8. 1 large carrot, grated
    The grated carrot adds a natural sweetness to the soup. It also gives the soup a pop of vibrant color. Plus, grated carrots cook quickly and evenly, integrating nicely into the creamy broth.
  9. 2 cups whole milk
    The milk is crucial for creating a smooth, rich base that makes the soup creamy and comforting. Whole milk gives it a velvety texture, but if you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute with 2% milk.
  10. 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for serving)
    Cheddar cheese is the key to giving this soup its signature cheesy, gooey goodness. Make sure to use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded, as it melts more smoothly and gives the soup a better texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Sauté Vegetables:
    • Begin by placing a large pot over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt.
    • Once the butter is melted, toss in the finely chopped onion and sliced celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 7 to 9 minutes until the vegetables are softened. The onion should turn a golden, translucent color. This creates a flavorful foundation for the soup.
  2. Make the Roux (Flour Mixture):
    • Add flour to the sautĂ©ed onions and celery, and whisk it in to coat the vegetables. Cook for about 1 minute to get rid of the raw flour taste. This step creates the roux, which thickens the soup as it cooks.
    • Whisk the flour constantly to avoid lumps, ensuring a smooth and creamy consistency.
  3. Add Broth and Seasoning:
    • Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly. This will help the flour mixture dissolve into the broth smoothly. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
    • Bring the broth to a simmer over medium heat, ensuring everything is well combined and the soup starts to thicken.
  4. Cook Vegetables:
    • Add the chopped broccoli and grated carrot to the pot. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 8 to 12 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the carrots are soft.
    • During this time, keep an eye on the soup and stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot. The vegetables should be soft but still retain their vibrant color and texture.
  5. Add Milk and Cheese:
    • Slowly pour in the whole milk while stirring gently. Let the soup come to a simmer again, but do not let it boil, as this could cause the milk to curdle.
    • Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese in small batches. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted completely and the soup becomes smooth and creamy.
    • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
  6. Serve:
    • Once the soup is creamy and well-mixed, ladle it into individual bowls.
    • Top each bowl with more shredded cheddar cheese for extra cheesiness, and perhaps a few croutons for added texture.
    • Serve the soup warm with a side of bread or garlic toast for dipping!

Additional Tips for Perfect Broccoli Cheddar Soup:

  1. Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives the soup better texture and flavor than frozen broccoli. Fresh broccoli also maintains its vibrant green color, which makes the soup more visually appealing.
  2. Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that prevent it from melting smoothly. Shred your own cheddar cheese to ensure a perfectly creamy soup.
  3. Customize the Vegetables: If you love leeks, potatoes, or even spinach, you can add those into the mix. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed. Potatoes, for example, take longer to cook than carrots.
  4. Use a Potato Masher: If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use a potato masher to gently mash some of the broccoli and carrots before adding the cheese. This will make the soup thicker and creamier.
  5. Make it Spicy: If you love a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the soup while sautéing the onions and celery.

Q&A:

Q: Can I make this soup dairy-free?
A: Yes! You can substitute dairy-free butter and unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk for the butter and whole milk. For the cheese, you can try using a dairy-free cheddar alternative.

Q: Can I freeze Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
A: Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When reheating, you may need to add a little extra milk to get the creamy consistency back, as cheese-based soups tend to separate when frozen.

Q: How can I make the soup thicker?
A: If you’d like a thicker soup, you can either cook it down a bit longer to allow the liquid to evaporate, or you can use a cornstarch slurry (mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water) and stir it into the soup. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken.

Health Benefits of Broccoli Cheddar Soup:

  • Broccoli: High in fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants, broccoli supports a healthy immune system and can help with digestion.
  • Carrots: Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which promotes healthy vision and skin, as well as vitamin A, which supports your immune system.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar cheese provides a great source of calcium for bone health, protein for muscle maintenance, and vitamin A for skin and vision health. Just remember, it’s also high in fat, so enjoy in moderation.
  • Milk: Whole milk offers a good amount of calcium, protein, and vitamin D, all of which help in maintaining strong bones and overall health.

This Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the perfect way to embrace comfort food during the colder months. With its creamy texture, rich flavor, and nutritious ingredients, it’s a satisfying meal that everyone will love! Whether served for dinner or as a hearty appetizer, this soup is bound to become a family favorite.

Laisser un commentaire