Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-size pieces
- 1–2 large carrots, shredded or julienned
- 8 oz medium or sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Small pinch of nutmeg, optional
Directions
- Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes, until softened and translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking as you go so the mixture stays smooth.
- Stir in the half-and-half and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Do not let it boil.
- Add the broccoli and carrots. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and a small pinch of nutmeg, if using.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Add the shredded cheddar a handful at a time, stirring until fully melted before adding more.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning. If you prefer a smoother soup, lightly mash some of the broccoli with a potato masher or blend a small portion and stir it back in.
- Serve hot with crusty bread, sourdough, or crackers.
Notes
- Freshly shredded cheese melts much better than pre-shredded cheese.
- Sharp cheddar gives the soup more flavor than mild cheddar.
- Keep the heat low once the cheese goes in to prevent it from becoming grainy.
- If the soup gets too thick, stir in a splash of broth or half-and-half.
Source
https://www.instagram.com/p/DctO6CQRrc_/