Broccoli cheese soup is a comforting and flavorful dish, perfect for a cozy meal. Here’s a simple recipe for homemade broccoli cheese soup:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli, chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- Croutons or additional shredded cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare Broccoli:
- Cut the broccoli into small florets. You can also peel and chop the broccoli stems if you like.
- Sauté Onion and Broccoli:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent. Add the chopped broccoli and sauté for a few minutes.
- Add Flour:
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat them. Cook for 2-3 minutes to remove the raw taste of the flour.
- Add Broth:
- Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer and Cook Broccoli:
- Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the broccoli is tender.
- Blend Soup (Optional):
- For a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks of broccoli for texture. Alternatively, transfer a portion of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.
- Add Milk and Cheese:
- Pour in the whole milk and add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
- Season:
- Season the soup with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
- Serve:
- Ladle the broccoli cheese soup into bowls. If desired, garnish with croutons or additional shredded cheese.
Enjoy your homemade broccoli cheese soup! It’s a comforting and satisfying dish, especially on a chilly day.
