Monday, December 14, 2020

HOMEMADE BROCCOLI CHEESE SOUP

INGREDIENTS

  •  3 1/2 cups chicken broth (I use low-sodium)
  •  1/2 cup finely diced onion (white or yellow)
  •  1 teaspoon salt
  •  1/2 teaspoon pepper
  •  5-6 cups (about 30-36 ounces) chopped fresh broccoli (see note)
  •  4 cups milk (I use 2%)
  •  1/2 cup all-purpose flour (use 2/3 cup if you want it extra thick)
  •  3 cups (12 ounces) freshly grated cheddar cheese (see note)
  •  1 cup (4 ounces) freshly grated Swiss cheese (see note)

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. In a large saucepan (6-quarts or so), add the chicken broth, onion, salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and add the broccoli (it may not be completely covered with liquid). Cover the pot and cook for 8-9 minutes until the broccoli and onions are tender.
  2. In a blender, combine the milk and flour and process until smooth. Slowly add the milk mixture to the soup, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring, and cook until thickened, 3-4 minutes.
  3. Turn the heat off or to low and stir in the cheese, one handful at a time, letting each addition melt before adding more. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
  4. Serve immediately (the soup will thicken as it cools).

NOTES

Broccoli: I like the broccoli chopped pretty small for this soup - but you can chop it as small or as large as you prefer. 

Cheese: I highly recommend using freshly grated cheese for this recipe; pre-shredded cheese doesn't melt as well (it's coated with powder to keep it from sticking, but that prevents it from melting smoothly). I prefer sharp cheddar cheese (extra sharp makes the soup a little gritty and mild cheddar cheese doesn't have as much flavor). You can substitute Monterey Jack for the Swiss. 

Instant Pot: I think this stands a good chance of working in the IP (taking notes from this IP creamy potato soup recipe). Maybe combining the broth, salt, pepper, onions, and broccoli and cooking at HP for 1-2 minutes. Quick release the pressure and then use the saute function when adding the milk and cheese? 

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