Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This rich and creamy broccoli cheddar soup is secretly healthy, with 20 grams of protein per serving! It's the perfect comfort food recipe, filled with good-for-you ingredients. 

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 large yellow onion, diced

• 2 large carrots, peeled and diced

• 1 stalk celery, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 3 cups vegetable broth

• 4 cups chopped broccoli

• 2 cups 1% milk

• 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)

• 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese, blended

• Salt and pepper to taste
  
  

Directions

1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

2. Add Garlic and Seasonings: Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and flour, stirring to coat the vegetables evenly. Cook for another minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.

3. Add Broth and Broccoli: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the chopped broccoli. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 8–9 minutes until the broccoli is tender.

4. Incorporate Dairy: Lower the heat and stir in the milk, allowing the soup to warm through. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and blended cottage cheese, stirring until the cheeses are melted and the soup is smooth.

5. Blend the Soup: For a creamier texture, transfer one cup of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to achieve the desired consistency. Return the blended soup to the pot.

6. Season and Serve: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with additional shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
   
   

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 250 kcal

• Protein: 20g

• Carbohydrates: 20g

• Fat: 12g

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 7g