Name: Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 4 tablespoon unsalted butter; 1 medium yellow onion (diced); 2 clove garlic cloves (minced); ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 3 cup low-sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth); 2 cup half-and-half; 4 cup broccoli florets (chopped small, about 12 oz); 1 cup matchstick carrots; ½ teaspoon dry mustard; ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika; ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¾ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 8 ounce sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded, about 2 cups)

Instructions

Aromatics
Aromatics:
Melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and cook for 5 minutes, until soft, then add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds.
Make the base
Make the base:
Sprinkle ¼ cup all-purpose flour over the onions and whisk for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in 3 cups vegetable broth, then 2 cups half-and-half, until smooth.
Simmer the vegetables
Simmer the vegetables:
Add 4 cups chopped broccoli, 1 cup matchstick carrots, ½ teaspoon dry mustard, ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg, ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring often, until the broccoli is tender.
Blend (optional)
Blend (optional):
For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend about a third of the soup, leaving plenty of broccoli pieces.
Add the cheese
Add the cheese:
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar, a handful at a time, until melted. Serve the broccoli cheddar soup right away.

Tips

Shred the cheddar from a block; pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that make the soup grainy. Always add the cheese off the heat so it melts smoothly instead of turning oily. Chop the broccoli small so every spoonful has a little in it.

Storage

Store leftover soup in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat gently over low heat, stirring often; don't let it boil. Freezing isn't recommended, because the cheese sauce can separate.