Time:
– Preparation Time: 15 minutes
– Cooking Time: 30 minutes
– Total Time: 45 minutes
Introduction:
Are you looking to warm up your day with a comforting bowl of soup? Say hello to Broccoli Cheddar Potato Soup! This delightfully creamy, cheesy soup, bursting with flavor, is the perfect cozy meal to relish with your loved ones.
Why Make This Recipe:
If you’re a fan of hearty, warming, and wholesome meals, this Broccoli Cheddar Potato Soup is for you. It’s not just undeniably tasty, but also packed with nourishment from the broccoli, cheese, and potato. Not to mention, it’s a comfy dish that can be whipped up in under 45 minutes!
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Potato Soup:
Ingredients:
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1 cup milk
– 2 tbsp butter
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Directions:
1. In a sizable pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, and sauté until they are translucent.
2. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute to create a roux.
3. Gradually whisk the broth into the roux until it’s smooth.
4. Add the potatoes and let the mixture reach a boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, which should be around 15 minutes.
5. Add the broccoli florets and keep cooking for an additional 10 minutes until they are tender.
6. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup according to your preference. Alternatively, blend the soup in batches using a regular blender.
7. Return the soup to the pot over low heat, and stir in the cheese, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until the cheese is entirely melted and incorporated.
8. Season according to taste and serve warm with a sprinkle of extra cheddar on top.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Potato Soup:
Serve this Broccoli Cheddar Potato Soup warm, topped with a sprinkle of extra cheddar. It pairs perfectly with crusty bread or your favorite crackers. It’s ideal for a cozy family lunch or dinner.
How to Store Broccoli Cheddar Potato Soup:
Store the leftover soup in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up over medium heat.
Tips to Make Broccoli Cheddar Potato Soup:
– Be sure to cut the potatoes into small, even cubes to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.
– When pureeing, for a chunkier soup, only puree about half and leave the rest as it is.
– Add the cheese slowly, and keep the heat low to prevent it from becoming gritty.
Variation:
If you’re looking to add some protein, you can add cooked, diced chicken or bacon to the soup.
FAQs:
Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just ensure to add it at the end of the cooking process as it doesn’t require much time to cook.
Q2: Can I make this soup vegan?
You can replace the milk with non-dairy milk, use a vegan cheese, and be sure to opt for vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Q3: How can I make this soup gluten-free?
Though flour is used to thicken the soup, you can make it gluten-free by using arrowroot or cornstarch as a thickening agent instead.