Broccoli Soup with Cheddar Crust

Overview:

This delightful Broccoli Soup with Cheddar Crust is a comforting yet sophisticated dish that perfectly balances the earthy flavor of broccoli with the richness of extra-sharp cheddar cheese. With a total preparation and cook time of just 40 minutes, this recipe is a convenient option for a cozy weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch gathering. The soup is made by sautéing broccoli stems and onions until tender, then adding garlic, fresh tarragon, and a creamy broth. The addition of flour and butter creates a velvety texture, while the broccoli florets add a vibrant color and texture contrast. Topped with a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire.

Nutritional Information:

Calories: 588.1
Fat Content: 44.5g
Saturated Fat Content: 26.6g
Cholesterol Content: 138.9mg
Sodium Content: 793mg
Carbohydrate Content: 26.9g
Fiber Content: 4.4g
Sugar Content: 8.1g
Protein Content: 23.5g
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

Quantity	Ingredient
6 tbsp	Butter
2	Broccoli
1	Onion
2 cloves	Garlic
1 tbsp	Fresh tarragon
1 tsp	Dried tarragon
6 1/2 cups	Vegetable stock
1	Flour
3 cups	Extra-sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions:

Preparation:
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- Start by preparing all the ingredients. Chop the broccoli into florets and separate the stems. Mince the garlic and finely chop the onion. Grate the extra-sharp cheddar cheese.
Cooking:
- In a heavy medium pot, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the broccoli stems and onion to the pot, and sauté until the onion is translucent, which should take about 6 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and fresh tarragon, and sauté for an additional minute.
- Pour in the vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the soup uncovered until the broccoli stems are tender, approximately 15 minutes.
- Stir in the cream to add richness to the soup.
- In a small bowl, combine the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter with the flour to create a paste. Whisk this paste into the soup to thicken it.
- Add the broccoli florets to the soup and continue to simmer until the soup thickens slightly and the florets are tender, stirring frequently. This should take about 5 minutes.
Optional Make-Ahead Step:
- If you’d like to prepare the soup in advance, it can be made up to 1 day ahead. Simply allow it to cool slightly, then refrigerate it uncovered until cold. Once chilled, cover the soup and keep it refrigerated. When ready to serve, reheat the soup to a simmer before continuing with the recipe.
Finishing Touches:
- Preheat the broiler in your oven.
- Place 6 ovenproof bowls on a baking sheet for easy handling.
- Ladle the hot soup into each bowl, dividing it evenly.
- Sprinkle approximately 1/3 cup of grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese over the top of each bowl.
- Place the baking sheet under the broiler and broil until the cheese melts and forms bubbly golden spots around the edges of the bowls. This should take about 4 minutes.
Serving:
- Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven, using oven mitts to prevent burns.
- Serve the Broccoli Soup with Cheddar Crust immediately, ensuring each guest receives a bowl of piping hot, cheesy goodness.

Keywords:

< 60 Mins
Vegetable
Broccoli Soup
Cheddar Crust
Comfort Food
Weeknight Dinner
Quick and Easy
Creamy Soup
Homemade

Tips:

For added flavor, you can garnish each bowl of soup with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil before serving.
If you prefer a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it reaches your desired consistency before adding the broccoli florets.
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite herbs and spices, such as thyme or smoked paprika, to enhance the flavor profile.
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through before serving.

Conclusion:

This Broccoli Soup with Cheddar Crust is a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or an impressive starter for a dinner party, this recipe is sure to please. With its creamy texture, vibrant flavor, and irresistible cheesy crust, it’s bound to become a new favorite in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort with every spoonful!