Imagine a creamy, luxurious soup that tastes like pure indulgence but actually nourishes your body - sounds too good to be true? This Healthy Broccoli Cheese Soup is about to change your entire perspective on comfort food! Packed with vibrant green broccoli, rich cheese, and bursting with flavor, this recipe proves that healthy eating doesn't mean sacrificing taste. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or someone looking to sneak more vegetables into your diet, this soup is your delicious solution.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 2 cups of broccoli florets, 1 chopped onion, 2 cups of vegetable broth, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup of milk, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the broccoli florets to the pot with the sautéed onion. Stir them together and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the broccoli to soften slightly.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring that the broccoli and onion are fully submerged. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the soup to simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
- After the broccoli is tender, remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to carefully purée the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, blending until smooth and then returning it to the pot.
- Once the soup is blended, return it to low heat. Stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as necessary, keeping in mind that the cheese may add some saltiness.
- Serve the broccoli cheese soup hot, garnished with additional shredded cheese or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your healthy and delicious meal!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Broccoli: For the best flavor and nutrition, use fresh broccoli florets rather than frozen.
- Cheese Selection Matters: Use a high-quality sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
- Blending Technique: If using a regular blender, blend in small batches and remove the center lid piece to allow steam to escape, preventing pressure buildup.
- Consistency Control: For a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for an extra few minutes. For a thinner consistency, add a little more broth.
- Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance. Simply reheat gently to maintain its creamy texture.
- Optional Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken or white beans for extra protein without compromising the soup's healthy profile.
- Garnish Creatively: Top with a sprinkle of extra cheese, fresh herbs like chives or parsley, or even some toasted pumpkin seeds for added crunch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 40mg
