Broccoli & Cheese Soup

I love broccoli & cheese soup. LOVE it. I order it every time I go to Panera, and I think I was almost in tears one time when I went to Chili's and they were out. For some reason, I've never made it myself though. But after my cheesy chicken & rice soup turned out so well, I decided to attempt my favorite creamy soup: broccoli & cheese.

This recipe was a huge hit. It was absolutely delicious, super quick and easy, and not nearly as high in calories as I had always assumed it was. I was also really happy that this soup didn't include Velveeta. Most of the recipes I looked at called for "processed cheese loaf". No thank you. I did veer from the original recipe in that I used a bag of pre-shredded cheese and frozen broccoli, but it was still amazing. And quicker to make. I also didn't puree it all the way. I wanted some actual big pieces of broccoli to remain.

But you should make this. Soon. It's really, really good.

"Almost Famous" Broccoli & Cheese Soup
(Adapted from this recipe.)

Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, diced 
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 16 ounce bag of frozen broccoli
• 1 large carrot, shredded or finely chopped
• 2.5 cups (about 8 ounces) grated cheese (I used two cups of Colby jack & one cup of sharp cheddar)

Directions:

1. Melt the butter in a large dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic, and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until fragrant. 
3. Whisk in the flour and cook 3 to 4 minutes Gradually whisk in the half & half until it reaches a smooth consistency. 
4. Slowly add the chicken stock, nutmeg, and salt & pepper. Bring to a simmer. Add the carrots and broccoli, and then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook uncovered, until thickened, about 20 minutes.
5. Puree the soup according to your preference. (You could put it in a food processor/blender or use an immersion blender. I used an immersion blender and left it pretty chunky.)
6. Add the cheese and stir constantly until cheese has completely melted. Serve with a sprinkle of extra cheddar on top. Enjoy!