Vegetarian Broccoli Cheddar Soup (recipe)

Vegetarian Broccoli Cheddar Soup (recipe)

from thewimpyvegetarian.com
34 min
4 servings

This vegetarian broccoli cheddar soup is easy to make, and waaaay better than the much loved one at Panera. It has half and half instead of milk, and a lot more broccoli. And it's a lot cheaper to make than running down to Panera to buy a bowl.

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup yellow onion (about 1/2 medium-large onion)
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika (or smoked paprika)
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 4 cups broccoli florets and stalks (cut into small pieces (1 bundle of fresh broccoli))
  • 1 medium carrot (peeled, and small diced)
  • 1 cup half & half (or heavy cream)
  • 6 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese (about 1 1/2 cups)

Directions

  1. 1

    Prep the veggies. This recipe moves along fairly quickly, so prep everything ahead of time. Dice the onion, chop the broccoli into small pieces, peel and small dice the carrot, and mince the garlic.

  2. 2

    Make the roux. Melt butter in a large dutch oven or other heavy bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute. Whisk in the flour and nudge around the pot for 3-4 minutes, or until the flour begins to turn golden in color. Stir in the salt, pepper and paprika, and cook for another minute, until fragrant.Add the vegetable stock, 1/4 cup at a time for the first cup. Whisk each 1/4 into the roux, and re-thicken before adding additional broth. Gradually whisk in the remaining 2 cups.

  3. 3

    Broccoli and carrot. Stir in the broccoli and carrot. Bring to a simmer, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 15 minutes, or until the broccoli and carrot are tender. If you like a partially puréed soup, use the immersion blender to purée it to you preference.

  4. 4

    Finish the soup. Stir in the half & half (or cream) and grated cheddar cheese. Heat up to a very low, lazy simmer, and cook for about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

  5. 5

    Serve. Serve hot with crusty bread and a knob of butter.