BROCCOLI-CHEDDAR SOUP

Broccoli-Cheddar Soup image

You can't help but feel good eating broccoli and cheddar soup with its reassuringly familiar flavors and rich, indulgent texture. Happily, this recipe will leave you feeling good afterward too, energized and satisfied instead of overstuffed.

Provided by Ellie Krieger

Yield Serves 4 (serving size 1 1/2 cups)

Number Of Ingredients 11

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Ingredients

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 large head broccoli, florets and tender part of stems, chopped (about 6 cups)
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups low-fat (1%) milk
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups lightly packed shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese (5 ounces)
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste

Steps:

Heat the oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until softened and translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and nutmeg and cook for 30 seconds. Add the broccoli and chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium low and cook until the broccoli is tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly, about 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, whisk together the milk and flour until the flour dissolves. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to medium low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture has thickened, about 3 minutes. Add one cup of the cheese and cook, stirring, until melted, 2 minutes more. Remove from the heat and cover to keep warm.
Working with about 1 cup at a time, puree the broccoli mixture in a blender until it is mostly smooth but still has some chunks, and then transfer it to another pot. (Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender.) Stir the cheese mixture into the broccoli puree, season with salt and black pepper to taste, and cook over medium-low heat until warmed through, 3 to 5 minutes more. Serve garnished with the remaining cheese.
Excellent source of Calcium, Folate, Iodine, Phosphorus, Potassium, Protein, Riboflavin, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K
Good source of Copper, Fiber, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Molybdenum, Pantothenic Acid, Selenium, Niacin, Thiamin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Zinc
BEFORE:
700 CAL.
Sat. Fat 36g, Chol. 170mg
Fiber 3g, Sodium 1440mg
AFTER:
320 CAL.
Sat. Fat 9g, Chol. 45mg
Fiber 4g, Sodium 660mg

Nutrition Facts : Calories 320, Fat 17 grams, SaturatedFat 9 grams, Cholesterol 45 milligrams, Sodium 660 milligrams, Carbohydrate 23 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 21 grams