Description
Hearty Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Cheese Soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending creamy textures with robust vegetable flavors. Rich cheese and tender vegetables create a warm, satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups (710 ml) broccoli florets, fresh
- 3 cups (710 ml) cauliflower florets, fresh
- 1 cup (240 ml) carrots, diced (about 2 medium to large)
- 1 cup (240 ml) celery, diced (about 2 large ribs)
- 1 cup (240 ml) onion, diced (about 1 small to medium)
- 2 cups (470 ml) cheddar cheese, sharp, shredded
- 1 cup (240 ml) half and half
- 4 cups (950 ml) water
- 4 tsp chicken base (such as Better Than Bouillon)
- 2 tbsps olive oil (regular or light, not extra virgin)
- 3 tbsps all-purpose flour
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Aromatics Preparation: Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté diced carrots, celery, and onions with salt and pepper, allowing vegetables to soften and develop rich flavors for 5 minutes.
- Roux Creation: Dust flour over the vegetable medley, stirring consistently to form a smooth, integrated base. Toast the mixture for one minute to eliminate raw flour taste.
- Liquid Foundation: Combine chicken base with water, then pour into the pot along with broccoli and cauliflower florets. Bring the mixture to a robust boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Vegetable Transformation: Cover the pot and let vegetables tenderize for 10 minutes. Use a potato masher to break down ingredients, creating a rustic texture that balances between chunky and smooth.
- Creamy Finale: Remove from heat and fold in half and half, then gradually incorporate shredded cheddar cheese until a luxurious, velvety consistency develops. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serving Presentation: Transfer the steaming soup into serving bowls. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of extra cheese or fresh herbs to elevate both visual appeal and flavor profile.
Notes
- Vegetable Prep Tip: Dice carrots, celery, and onions uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
- Flour Technique: Stir flour thoroughly to prevent lumps and create a smooth, silky base that thickens the soup naturally.
- Cheese Melting Hack: Add cheese gradually off direct heat to prevent separation and maintain a creamy, smooth consistency.
- Texture Balancing Trick: Use a potato masher strategically to create a rustic, hearty soup with a perfect blend of chunky and smooth elements.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg