Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Indulge in this rich and creamy broccoli cheddar soup that is not only delicious but also secretly healthy, boasting 20 grams of protein per serving! This comforting soup is the perfect blend of flavors and textures.
Equipment
- Large Pot
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- 2 large carrots peeled and diced
- 1 stalk celery diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 4 cups chopped broccoli
- 2 cups 1% milk
- 4 oz cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese blended
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking over medium heat for an additional minute.
- Add the smoked paprika and flour, stirring for another minute until the vegetables are coated with flour.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the broccoli. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8-9 minutes until the broccoli is softened.
- Stir in the milk and continue cooking over low heat until the soup is warm.
- Add the blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted. Be cautious not to turn up the heat too high to prevent curdling.
- Transfer one cup of soup to a blender, blend while allowing steam to escape, and then return it to the pot. Alternatively, use an immersion blender to blend the soup gently.
- Season with salt to taste, if desired.
Notes
To ensure a thicker soup, start with 3 cups of broth and add more as needed for desired consistency. You can also add a dash of nutmeg for an extra depth of flavor.