| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 310 | 22g | 13g | 18g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 2g | 13g | 0.80g |
Every so often, there’s a recipe that tugs at your palette and heartstrings with equal fervor. The Broccoli and Cheddar Soup is one such dish that I constantly find myself gravitating towards due to its comforting, hearty, and utterly delightful nature.
A Symphony of Flavors
Beyond its velvety texture and enticing creaminess, what truly sets this soup apart is the harmony between its constituent elements – the freshness of the broccoli, the tantalizing bite of cheddar, and the enticing aroma of sautéed onion and garlic. Each spoonful is a revelation, a wonderful gustatory experience that both soothes and excites with its robust depth of flavor.
In my quest to marry my Japanese heritage with the vibrant ingredients of Pacific North West, I have discovered that this Broccoli and Cheddar Soup draws parallels to a traditional Japanese dish called ‘Kenchinjiru’. Like the soup, Kenchinjiru shares a similar depth in flavor, though achieved through different ingredients. Nonetheless, the same principles apply – the freshest of ingredients and the meticulous balance of flavors.
Matching Healthy with Delicious
Let’s not forget that this is a recipe that delivers more than just great taste – it’s an impressive font of nutrition too. The broccoli brings a powerhouse of beneficial compounds to the table, packed with dietary fiber, vitamin C, and diverse antioxidants. On the other hand, cheddar cheese offers a good amount of protein and calcium. The result is a dish that not only satisfies your taste buds but contributes positively to your overall health.
While the soup stands perfectly well on its own, it can be paired with a rustic sourdough or freshly-baked blueberry muffins — serving warm comfort and a concerted symphony of flavors.
In the words immortalized by the legendary food critic M.F.K. Fisher, “First we eat, then we do everything else.” So go ahead, try the Broccoli and Cheddar Soup – it’s a taste sensation that’s truly worth every slurp!
What You’ll Need
- 1 large bunch of fresh broccoli
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Start by rinsing the fresh broccoli and cutting it into small, bite-sized pieces. Set it aside for later use.
Step Two
In a sizable pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Once the butter is melted, add in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook these ingredients until they are fragrant and the onions have become translucent.
Step Three
Add the flour into the pot. Stir the ingredients thoroughly until the flour is completely mixed in with the butter, onions, and garlic, creating a roux. Continue to cook this mixture for around two minutes.
Step Four
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk into the pot. It’s important to incorporate these liquids slowly to avoid creating lumps from the flour. Bring the mixture to a slight simmer.
Step Five
Once simmering, add in the prepared broccoli. Let it cook in the pot until it becomes tender; this process should take approximately 10-15 minutes.
Step Six
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until it is completely melted. After that, incorporate the heavy cream into the soup. Finally, season everything with salt and black pepper according to personal preference.
Step Seven
Your Broccoli and Cheddar Soup is now ready to serve! Give it a final good stir and ladle servings into bowls. Enjoy this comforting, hearty soup while hot.
