Description
Comfort meets nutrition in this robust Broccoli Cheddar Soup, blending creamy Wisconsin cheddar with fresh broccoli florets. Hearty protein-packed spoonfuls promise a satisfying meal that will nourish and delight your palate with each warming bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (chopped)
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (reduced-fat optional)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 (15 ounces) can white beans (drained and rinsed) (for extra protein)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 medium carrot (grated)
Dairy and Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or regular milk)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (protein boost!)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (enhances the cheesy flavor)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Warm the selected fat in a spacious cooking vessel over moderate temperature, creating a golden base for flavor development.
- Introduce finely chopped alliums, gently transforming them until they become translucent and tender, releasing their subtle sweetness.
- Incorporate minced aromatic garlic, allowing its pungent essence to bloom and permeate the foundational mixture, stirring continuously to prevent scorching.
- Sprinkle flour into the sautéed vegetable blend, whisking thoroughly to create a smooth, thickening roux that will provide luxurious body to the soup.
- Gradually stream in cold chicken or vegetable broth, maintaining constant motion to prevent lumps and ensure a silky consistency.
- Introduce chopped broccoli florets, submerging them into the liquid and allowing them to simmer until they reach a vibrant green tenderness.
- Reduce heat and blend the mixture to desired smoothness, leaving some texture for interesting mouthfeel and rustic character.
- Fold in sharp, aged cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and integrated, creating a rich and creamy profile.
- Season with salt, freshly cracked pepper, and optional complementary herbs to elevate the overall flavor complexity.
- Ladle into warm bowls, garnishing with additional cheese shreds or crisp herb snippets for a final textural and visual flourish.
Notes
- Swap regular butter for plant-based alternatives to create a vegan-friendly version of this protein-packed soup.
- Blend a portion of the soup to create a creamier texture while maintaining some chunky vegetable pieces for added interest.
- Use Greek yogurt or cottage cheese as an extra protein booster that also enhances the soup’s creamy consistency without adding excessive calories.
- Select sharp cheddar cheese to intensify the flavor profile and ensure a more robust taste in each spoonful.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg