Basic + Awesome Broccoli Cheese Soup

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Total Time

45 minutes

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

30 minutes

Rating

(71)

Ingredients

4-6 servings

5 tablespoons butter, divided
1 small onion, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup broccoli stems, chopped (optional)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
1 cup half and half
2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2–3 cups broccoli florets, chopped into very small pieces
1 large carrot, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon salt (more or less to taste)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
8-ounce block of good quality extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated

American Kid-Friendly Beginner Vegetarian ...

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Preparation

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Step 1

Sauté garlic and onion: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and broccoli stems; sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Step 2

Build your roux: Add remaining 4 tablespoons butter to the soup pot. When butter is melted, add flour to the pot. Cook over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes, until flour is thickened. Slowly pour in the milk and half and half, whisking constantly. (It will start thick but eventually it will thin out and resemble a creamy soup base.) Continue to thin it out, gradually whisking in the broth. Simmer for 10 minutes or so, whisking occasionally to reincorporate the skin that may form.

Step 3

Add broccoli: When the soup base is thickened nicely, stir in the broccoli, carrots, and spices. Simmer for 10 minutes or so, until the broccoli bits are bright green and fork-tender.

Step 4

Add cheese: Transfer the pot off of heat and allow to cool slightly for a few minutes. Stir in most of the cheese until melted. Serve in bowls with a little extra cheese + a hunk of crusty bread for dunking.