Description
Ina Garten’s broccoli cheddar soup brings classic comfort to your kitchen with rich, creamy goodness. Cheese and fresh broccoli combine perfectly, offering warm satisfaction that will comfort soul and palate.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large head broccoli, finely chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 3 cups (340 g) cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
- 4 tbsps (60 g) butter
- ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
- 3 cups (720 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 baguette for serving
Instructions
- Aromatic Foundation: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions and celery until translucent and fragrant, developing a delicate flavor base approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Roux Creation: Sprinkle flour over softened vegetables, whisking meticulously to form a golden, smooth mixture. Toast the roux for 60-90 seconds, eliminating raw flour notes and enhancing depth of flavor.
- Liquid Integration: Slowly pour chicken broth into the pot, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Season with salt and pepper, creating a harmonious liquid foundation for the soup.
- Vegetable Infusion: Add broccoli florets and carrots to the simmering broth. Reduce heat and allow vegetables to tenderize and release their essence, melding flavors for 18-22 minutes until vegetables reach perfect consistency.
- Creamy Transformation: Stream whole milk into the soup, stirring consistently. Gradually incorporate sharp cheddar cheese, folding until completely dissolved and creating a luxuriously smooth, velvety texture.
- Serving Finale: Transfer the piping hot soup into serving bowls. Optional: Garnish with additional cheese or fresh herbs to elevate the visual and flavor profile. Serve alongside crusty artisan bread for a complete culinary experience.
Notes
- Control Flour Power: Whisk flour meticulously to prevent lumps and develop a rich, nutty base without raw flour taste.
- Temperature Timing: Maintain medium-low heat when adding milk and cheese to prevent separation and achieve a silky smooth texture.
- Vegetable Tenderness: Cook broccoli and carrots just until tender to preserve nutrients and prevent overcooking.
- Cheese Selection Matters: Use high-quality sharp cheddar for maximum flavor depth and creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg