Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Special equipment needed:
- Blender or immersion blender
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add broccoli florets and chicken or vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until broccoli is tender.
3. Using a blender or immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth.
4. Return the soup to the pot and stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Heat over low heat until cheese is melted and soup is heated through.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat for cooking onion and garlic
- Boiling for broccoli and broth
- Low heat for melting cheese and heating soup
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 350
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Protein: 14g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Broccoli can be substituted with cauliflower or a combination of both.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or whole milk.
- Cheddar cheese can be substituted with any type of cheese that melts well, such as Gouda or Swiss.
Variations:
- Add cooked bacon or ham for extra flavor.
- Add diced potatoes for a heartier soup.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to blend the soup until it is completely smooth for a creamy texture.
- Use a high-quality cheese for the best flavor.
- Add the cheese slowly and stir constantly to prevent clumping.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve soup in a bread bowl for a fun presentation.
- Garnish with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives.
Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives
- Croutons
- Shredded cheese
Pairings:
- Crusty bread
- Grilled cheese sandwich
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add more broth or milk to thin it out.
- If the soup is too thin, simmer it over low heat until it thickens.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the soup to a safe temperature of 165°F to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
- Creamy broccoli and cheddar soup is a classic American dish that originated in the Midwest in the 20th century.
Flavor profiles:
- Creamy, cheesy, savory
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot as a main dish or starter.
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Taste: Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli, Savory, Comforting