Fresh broccoli cheese soup is a delicious dish to eat on a cold winter night. You can make it with fresh or frozen broccoli and any type of cheese that melts well. This recipe calls for sharp cheddar cheese and a pile of fresh greens. Read on for recipes and basic methods.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 2 cups chicken stock or broth
- 1/2 pound (226, 8 g) fresh broccoli, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 8 ounces (26.8 g) grated sharp cheddar cheese
Step
Method 1 of 3: Preparing the Soup Base
Step 1. Saute the onions
Melt the butter in a small skillet. When it heats up, add the chopped onions. Cook the onions until they are bright, then remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
Step 2. Melt the butter in a saucepan
Place in a heavy pot or dutch oven, then place the pan on the stove and over medium heat. Let the butter heat up until it melts and begins to sizzle.
Step 3. Add flour to make a roux
Use a whisk to mix the flour into the butter and allow the flour to thicken the butter to a slightly brown color. Make sure you keep stirring the mixture so it doesn't get too dark. The mixture is done when it is golden brown. This process will take 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 4. Add liquid
Once the roux is ready, add the half-and-half and chicken stock while continuing to whisk. Whisk until the mixture is completely mixed.
Step 5. Bring the soup base to a simmer
Leave it until this state is reached. Cook at this rate for 20 minutes while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
- Don't let the soup base come to a boil; If the soup gets too hot, reduce the heat.
- If you like a spicy gravy, add black pepper and a little chili powder to this soup base.
Method 2 of 3: Cooking Broccoli and Vegetables
Step 1. Add broccoli, carrots and onions
Add it to the soup base and mix well. Cook the vegetables over low heat until soft. You will need about 25 minutes to do this.
- Again, make sure the soup doesn't boil over.
- Taste the soup to determine if you want to add more spice.
Step 2. Cook the soup until it thickens
After 25 minutes, the soup should have thickened; Remove from heat when the soup has a texture you like.
Step 3. Try the soup
At this point, add salt and pepper to taste; also add nutmeg and additional spices that you like. Stir these spices well.
Step 4. Make the soup a thick soup like porridge
Transfer the soup to a blender and grind until smooth. Do it gradually. When the soup is well mixed, transfer it back to your large saucepan and turn the heat to medium.
- If you want to keep the broccoli and vegetables whole in your soup, you can skip turning them into a puree or just putting half the soup in a blender.
- Use an immersion blender if you have one so you don't have to remove the soup from the pot.
Method 3 of 3: Finishing the Soup
Step 1. Add the cheese
Add grated cheese to hot soup. Use a spoon to stir and make it melt completely. Try the soup taste. This soup is done when the cheese is melted and the flavors are mixed.
Step 2. Serve the soup
Spoon into a bowl and serve with a slice of crusty bread, rice, or a fresh green salad.
