Are you craving a creamy, delicious soup that's both healthy and indulgent? Look no further! This Sketch Free Broccoli and Cheese Soup is about to revolutionize your dinner routine with its perfect blend of nutritious broccoli and rich, melted cheddar. Whether you're a busy parent, a health-conscious foodie, or just someone who loves a good bowl of comfort, this recipe is your ultimate culinary solution that takes just 35 minutes from start to finish!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Wash and chop the broccoli florets into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Peel and finely dice the onion. Mince the garlic cloves, ensuring they are chopped finely to distribute flavor evenly.
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
- Pour vegetable broth into the pot and add broccoli florets. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 12-15 minutes until broccoli is tender but not mushy.
- Use an immersion blender or transfer soup to a standard blender to partially puree, leaving some broccoli chunks for texture. If using a standard blender, blend carefully in batches and return to pot.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in milk, creating a creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the soup.
- Allow soup to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld flavors and ensure proper temperature.
- Ladle into serving bowls and optionally garnish with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Chop Broccoli Uniformly: Ensure all florets are similar in size for even cooking and consistent texture.
- Don't Burn the Garlic: When sautéing garlic, watch carefully and cook for only 30-45 seconds to prevent bitterness.
- Blending Technique: For the best texture, partially blend the soup, leaving some broccoli chunks for a rustic feel.
- Cheese Melting Hack: Add cheese gradually and stir continuously to prevent clumping and ensure smooth incorporation.
- Season Gradually: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as you go to achieve the perfect flavor balance.
- Optional Garnishes: Elevate your soup with extra shredded cheese, fresh herbs like chives or parsley, or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper.
- Reheating Tip: If storing leftovers, reheat gently to prevent cheese from separating or becoming grainy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
