Bushra Griffith
Broccoli and cheese soup is a hearty, creamy, and rich comfort food that can be made in just 30 minutes. The soup is packed with vegetables and has a depth of flavour that can be attributed to the use of vegetable or chicken broth. The key to achieving the perfect texture is to grate the cheese yourself and ensure that it is added to the soup at low heat. The soup can be served with crusty bread or croutons, and even bacon bits for an indulgent treat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | 30 minutes |
| Texture | Creamy, thick, smooth |
| Flavour | Rich, tangy, peppery, cheesy |
| Ingredients | Broccoli, carrots, celery, potatoes, onion, butter, flour, milk, vegetable broth, chicken broth, half-and-half, cheese, salt, pepper, nutmeg, garlic |
| Equipment | Blender, potato masher, wooden spoon, stove, pot, skillet |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days |
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What You'll Learn
Ingredients
The ingredients for broccoli and cheese soup can vary depending on the recipe and your preferences. Here is a list of ingredients commonly used in different recipes:
Vegetables
Broccoli is, of course, the star of the show. You can use fresh or frozen broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces or florets. Some recipes also call for carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes. These vegetables add flavour, texture, and nutrients to the soup. Grating or chopping the vegetables into small pieces ensures they cook evenly and gives the soup a smoother consistency.
Dairy
Cheese is the other key ingredient in this soup. Cheddar cheese is the most popular choice, and it can be mild, sharp, or a combination of both. It's best to grate the cheese yourself to ensure it melts smoothly into the soup. Other cheese options include Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, goat cheese, Gruyère, or even a mix of several varieties. For a creamier soup, dairy such as milk, cream, half-and-half, or a combination of these can be added. Butter is also used in many recipes, both for cooking the vegetables and for adding richness.
Seasonings and Broth
Salt and pepper are essential for enhancing the flavours of the soup. Other seasonings like nutmeg, garlic powder, onion powder, or Dijon mustard can also be added, depending on your taste preferences. Vegetable broth or chicken broth forms the base of the soup, adding savoury depth to the dish.
Thickeners
Some recipes use flour as a thickening agent, creating a roux by cooking it with butter before adding the dairy. Cornstarch mixed with water can also be used to thicken the soup and prevent it from becoming too watery. Potatoes are another natural thickener, adding creaminess and texture without the need for cream.
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Preparation
First, prepare your vegetables by grating or chopping them. You can include vegetables such as carrots, celery, potatoes, broccoli, and onion. If you are using potatoes, you can grate them with the skin on or peel them first. For the carrots, you can chop them or julienne them.
Next, shred your cheese and set it aside to bring it to room temperature. It is recommended to shred the cheese yourself, as pre-shredded cheese is often coated in anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly into the soup. You can use a block of sharp cheddar cheese or mild cheddar cheese, or a mix of both. However, you can also experiment with other types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, goat cheese, or Gruyère.
Now, you can start cooking. Melt butter in a pot and sauté onions until they become translucent. Then, sprinkle in flour and stir it into the onions. Cook this mixture for about a minute. Pour in milk, stirring continuously. You can use whole milk or unsweetened almond milk, depending on your preference. You can also add half-and-half for a richer soup.
At this point, you can add your vegetables. Start by adding carrots, celery, and potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the vegetables are tender. This should take around 3 to 5 minutes.
Now, add the broccoli and season with salt and pepper. Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for 20 to 30 minutes or until the broccoli is tender. This step allows the soup to develop a nice broccoli flavor.
Once the broccoli is cooked to your liking, it's time to add the cheese. Keep the heat very low during this step to ensure the cheese incorporates smoothly into the soup. Add the cheese a little at a time, stirring well between each addition.
Finally, you can adjust the consistency of your soup. You can leave it as it is, or use a potato masher or immersion blender to create a smoother texture.
Your broccoli and cheese soup is now ready to be served!
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Cooking method
First, prepare your ingredients. You will need butter, a chopped onion, flour, milk, half-and-half, broccoli, nutmeg, cheese, and salt and pepper. You can also add vegetables such as carrots, celery, and potatoes to enhance the texture and taste. Grate or chop your vegetables and set them aside. Shred your cheese and let it come to room temperature.
Next, melt the butter in a pot and sauté the onions until they become translucent. Then, add the flour and stir it into the onions. Cook this mixture for about a minute.
After that, pour in the milk and half-and-half, stirring continuously. You can also add some vegetable or chicken broth at this stage. Now, it's time to add the broccoli. Toss it into the pot, add a little salt and pepper, and stir everything together.
Cover the pot and simmer the soup on low heat for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender. This step will allow the soup to develop a nice broccoli flavour.
Now, add the cheese. It's important to ensure that the pot is over very low heat when adding the cheese. Gradually add the cheese, stirring well between each addition. You can use mild or sharp cheddar, or get creative with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, goat cheese, or Gruyère.
Finally, decide on the consistency of your soup. You can leave it as is, or use a potato masher or immersion blender to achieve your desired texture. If you want a smooth and creamy soup, use a blender to puree the soup in batches.
Enjoy your homemade broccoli and cheese soup!
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Seasoning
Salt and Pepper: Salt and pepper are classic seasonings that can enhance the flavour of your soup. It is important to add salt sparingly, as the cheese used in the soup may already be quite salty. You can add a teaspoon of salt initially and then adjust the amount according to your taste preferences after tasting the soup. Similarly, freshly ground black pepper can add a nice kick to the soup.
Bouillon: Vegetable or chicken bouillon can be added to enhance the savoury flavour of the soup. It can be added while cooking the vegetables or at the end of cooking to boost the overall flavour.
Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg can add a warm and nutty flavour to the soup. It is best to grate fresh nutmeg into the soup, but pre-ground nutmeg will also work.
Garlic: Garlic can be added in the form of fresh garlic cloves, minced or crushed, or as garlic powder. It adds a savoury punch to the soup.
Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs such as parsley, thyme, or basil can be added to the soup to bring in some herbal notes.
Spices: Depending on your preference, you can add spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, or red chilli flakes to give the soup a spicy kick.
Remember, it is always better to start with a smaller amount of seasoning and then adjust to your taste. You can always add more, but it's harder to fix a dish that has been overseasoned.
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Serving suggestions
Broccoli cheese soup is a hearty, comforting dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
Breads
Broccoli cheese soup is often served with some form of bread. This can include crusty bread, sourdough bread, ciabatta bread, or even a bread bowl. Bread provides a hearty accompaniment to the soup and can be used for dunking or soaking up the creamy broth.
Toppings
To add extra flavour and texture, consider topping your soup with homemade croutons, crispy bacon bits, or shredded cheese. These toppings provide a contrast in texture and enhance the overall taste experience.
Sides
For a more substantial meal, pair your soup with sides such as garlic bread or crackers. The soup's creamy texture also goes well with crunchy vegetables like carrots, celery, or broccoli florets on the side.
Wine
For a sophisticated touch, consider pairing your broccoli cheese soup with a full-bodied buttery Chardonnay. The richness of the soup complements the wine's buttery notes, making it a delightful start to a dinner party.
Variations
You can also experiment with different types of cheese to find your preferred flavour. While sharp cheddar is a popular choice, you can also try mild cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, goat cheese, Gruyère, or even Velveeta cheese for a creamier texture. Additionally, feel free to add extra vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or onions to enhance the nutritional value and create a heartier soup.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need butter, chopped onion, flour, milk, half-and-half, broccoli, nutmeg, cheese, and salt and pepper. You can also add carrots, celery, potatoes, vegetable broth, and garlic powder.
You can use mild or sharp cheddar, monterey jack, pepper jack, or a mix of several. It is recommended to grate the cheese yourself as pre-shredded cheese may not melt as well.
It should take around 20-30 minutes to cook the soup, or until the broccoli is tender.
Broccoli and cheese soup is a great comfort food and can be served in a bread bowl with croutons or bacon bits. You can also serve it with crusty bread or garlic bread on the side.
