Description
Hearty “Creamy Cheddar and Vegetable Soup” brings warm comfort from classic kitchen traditions. Smooth cheese and garden-fresh vegetables blend into a soul-satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings when shared with friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 16 ounces (454 grams) chicken stock or broth
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 large carrots, peeled and julienned (about 1 heaping cup)
- 2 stalks celery, sliced (about 1 heaping cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Thickeners:
- 4 tablespoons butter, cut into chunks
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Warm the Dutch oven over medium flame and melt butter until it shimmers with a golden hue. Introduce minced garlic, diced onions, julienned carrots, and sliced celery into the pan, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Sauté the vegetable medley for approximately 5 minutes, stirring attentively until they soften and release their aromatic essence, developing a translucent, tender consistency.
- Dust the softened vegetables with all-purpose flour, thoroughly coating each morsel to create a smooth, even base that will transform the liquid into a luxurious, velvety texture.
- Gently stream milk into the vegetable mixture, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Follow with chicken stock, elevating the heat to encourage a gentle bubbling.
- Reduce the temperature to a low simmer, covering the pot to allow flavors to meld and develop depth. Let the liquid simmer peacefully for 15 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent scorching.
- Introduce broccoli florets into the simmering liquid, allowing them to cook tender yet retain a vibrant green color. Continue simmering for an additional 10 minutes.
- Remove the pot from heat and incorporate shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts completely and creates a smooth, rich consistency that envelops the vegetables in creamy decadence.
Notes
- This hearty soup transforms simple vegetables into a luxurious, comforting meal packed with nutrition and flavor.
- Sautéing vegetables first creates a deep, rich base that enhances the overall taste profile of the soup.
- Creating a roux with flour helps thicken the soup naturally, ensuring a smooth and creamy consistency without lumps.
- Sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully, adding a tangy and robust flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Low and slow simmering allows ingredients to blend seamlessly, developing complex flavors and tenderizing vegetables.
- Versatile recipe welcomes easy ingredient swaps like different vegetables or cheese types to match personal preferences.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg