Bushra Griffith
Broccoli cheese soup is a popular dish, with many recipes available online. It is often described as a comforting, creamy, and rich meal, perfect for cold days. The soup typically includes butter, onion, garlic, milk, vegetable broth, and of course, broccoli and cheese. The type of cheese used can vary, with mild or sharp cheddar being common choices, but some recipes suggest adding goat cheese or gruyère for a more indulgent flavour. While the soup is typically reheated in the microwave, some people believe that it can develop a grainy texture when frozen and reheated.
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What You'll Learn
Broccoli cheese soup ingredients
Broccoli cheese soup is a comforting and creamy dish that is often considered a happy, peaceful meal. The ingredients used to make this delicious soup are simple and can be easily found in your kitchen.
The star of the soup, broccoli, lends its unique flavour to the dish. While fresh broccoli is preferred, frozen broccoli can also be used, making it a great option to use up any frozen florets. The stalks and stems of the broccoli can also be used to add body and extra flavour to the soup.
The other key ingredient is cheese. A good quality, sharp cheddar cheese is recommended, as it melts better and has a stronger flavour. However, you can also use mild cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a mix of several cheeses. For an extra indulgent touch, add some goat cheese or gruyère. It is important to grate the cheese yourself, as pre-shredded cheese may not melt as well and can affect the creamy texture of the soup.
To form the base of the soup, butter, onion, and garlic are sautéed together. Flour is then added and cooked before pouring in milk and half-and-half. A pinch of nutmeg adds a delicious warmth to the soup. For a thicker consistency, potatoes can be added, while carrots add a fun, extra-cheesy look and a tangy, peppery depth of flavour.
Finally, salt and pepper are added to taste, and the soup is served with crusty bread or croutons for a comforting and indulgent meal.
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How to make broccoli cheese soup
Broccoli cheese soup is a rich and creamy comfort food that can be made in just about an hour. The soup is best served with crusty bread or croutons, and bacon bits. It can be reheated and stays good for up to four days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Ingredients:
- Butter
- Onion
- Flour
- Milk
- Half-and-half
- Broccoli
- Nutmeg
- Cheese (cheddar, mild or sharp, monterey jack, pepper jack, goat cheese, or gruyère)
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: Carrots, celery, garlic, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, mustard powder, dijon mustard, vegetable broth, potatoes
Steps:
- Melt butter in a pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent (about 3-5 minutes).
- Sprinkle in flour and stir, cooking for another minute.
- Pour in milk and half-and-half, add nutmeg, and stir.
- Add broccoli, salt, and pepper. You can also add carrots and celery at this stage.
- Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for 20-30 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
- Grate your desired cheese(s) while the soup simmers.
- Add the cheese to the soup and stir until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- For a chunkier soup, use a potato masher to break up the broccoli. For a smoother soup, puree with a blender.
- Serve with croutons or crusty bread, and enjoy!
You can also add garlic and spices such as cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and mustard powder to the pot while sautéing the onions. If you want a thinner consistency, you can add vegetable broth to the soup. For a thicker soup, add cooked and blended potatoes.
Some recipes also suggest using water instead of vegetable broth, and blending the stems of the broccoli to add extra flavour and body to the soup.
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Broccoli cheese soup nutritional value
While I can't comment on the smell of broccoli cheese soup, I can provide an overview of its nutritional value.
Broccoli cheese soup is a dish that typically combines broccoli, a type of cheese (such as cheddar), and various other ingredients like butter, milk, and spices. The nutritional content of the soup will depend on the specific ingredients and their quantities used in the preparation. However, some general nutritional insights can be provided.
Broccoli is a nutrient-dense vegetable, known for its high vitamin C content, as well as containing vitamins A, K, and B, fibre, and several minerals. It is worth noting that cooking broccoli can reduce its vitamin C content, but the soup format may help improve the absorption of other nutrients. Cheese, on the other hand, contributes protein, calcium, and other vitamins like vitamin A and B12.
The addition of dairy products like butter and milk can enhance the soup's calcium and protein content, while also providing some vitamin A and D. Spices and herbs used in the soup, such as cayenne pepper, can contribute antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, adding to the nutritional profile of the dish.
It is important to note that broccoli cheese soup may also be high in saturated fat and sodium, depending on the ingredients and their quantities. For example, cheese is known for its high-fat content, and butter and milk can contribute to the overall fat and calorie content of the dish. Therefore, while broccoli cheese soup can offer nutritional benefits, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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Broccoli cheese soup storage
Broccoli cheese soup is a delicious comfort food, but it needs to be stored properly to maintain its flavour and texture. The soup should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay good for up to four days. It is important to note that this type of soup should not be frozen as creamy and cheesy soups tend to separate and become grainy after being frozen and thawed.
When reheating the soup, it is best to use the stovetop. Place the soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat and stir occasionally until heated through. If you try to rush the process by cranking up the heat, the soup will separate. Reheating the soup gently in the microwave for 30-second intervals is also an option, but it may be less likely to separate if reheated on the stovetop.
To ensure the soup has the best smooth and creamy texture when reheated, add the cheese a little at a time and stir well between additions. It is also important to note that pre-shredded cheese is often coated in anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting into a creamy soup, so it is best to buy a block of cheese and grate it yourself.
When preparing the soup for storage, it is important to let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container and placing it in the refrigerator. This will help maintain the quality and safety of the soup. It is also a good idea to label the container with the date it was made and the date it should be consumed by, which is usually four days from when it was initially prepared.
By following these storage and reheating instructions, you can ensure that your broccoli cheese soup stays delicious and safe to eat for up to four days. Enjoy your comforting and tasty soup!
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Broccoli cheese soup alternatives
Broccoli cheese soup is a rich, creamy, and indulgent meal. It is often made with butter, milk, vegetable broth, and of course, broccoli and cheese. The broccoli is usually chopped and cooked until tender, while the cheese is grated and added to the soup until melted and incorporated. This soup is a comfort food for many and can be served with crusty bread, croutons, or a salad.
However, if you are looking for an alternative to the classic broccoli cheese soup, there are several options to consider:
Different Types of Cheese
A simple way to change up the classic broccoli cheese soup is to experiment with different types of cheese. While sharp cheddar is a popular choice, you could try using mild cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, goat cheese, or Gruyère. Using a mix of several cheeses can also add depth of flavor to the soup.
Spices and Seasonings
Adding spices and seasonings can give your soup a unique twist. Smoked paprika, mustard powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper are all great options to enhance the flavor of the soup without making it spicy. A dash of Worcestershire or Tabasco sauce can also add a kick.
Alternative Vegetables
While broccoli is the star of the show in this soup, you can try adding other vegetables to change the flavor and nutrition profile. Carrots, for example, can add a fun, extra-cheesy look to the soup when shredded or julienned. You could also experiment with other cruciferous vegetables like kale, which will boost the vitamin C content of the soup.
Non-Dairy Milk
If you are looking for a dairy-free alternative, you can replace the milk in the soup with unsweetened almond milk. The texture might be slightly thinner, but it will still be delicious and creamy.
Water Instead of Vegetable Broth
Using water instead of vegetable broth is another way to simplify the ingredient list and reduce the added salt and unwanted flavors that can come with store-bought vegetable broths.
Pureeing the Broccoli
Instead of leaving the broccoli in larger chunks, you can puree the broccoli florets to create a smoother, more homogeneous soup. This can be done with an immersion blender or a regular blender in batches.
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Frequently asked questions
Broccoli cheese soup is a rich and creamy soup that smells like its primary ingredients: broccoli and cheese. The soup is often seasoned with garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper, which add to its savoury aroma.
Broccoli cheese soup typically includes butter, onions, garlic, milk, vegetable broth, and various types of cheese. It can also include potatoes, carrots, and spices like cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and mustard powder.
To make broccoli cheese soup, you first sauté onions and garlic in butter. Then, you add milk, vegetable broth, and seasonings. Finally, you add the broccoli and cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and combined.
Broccoli cheese soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. It is not recommended to freeze this type of soup, as it tends to separate and become grainy after thawing.
