Broccoli Cheese Soup for the Soul

Lennie's Note:

This is real comfort food for me. Very warming on a cold day.

• Total Time: 30 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 3 cups chopped broccoli (, peeled stems included)
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons flour
• salt, to taste
• freshly ground black pepper, , to taste
• 4 cups low-fat milk (don't use skim, though)
• 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan, bring broth, broccoli (about 1 med. head will yield 3 cups chopped broccoli) and celery to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until broccoli is tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Stir occasionally.
4. Meanwhile, melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat and stir in flour, salt and pepper; cook for 1 minute.
5. With a whisk or wooden spoon, add milk gradually, beating constantly to prevent lumping.
6. (It will thicken like paste at first; keep beating in milk to thin it.) Bring to a boil.
7. If you want a smooth soup, puree broccoli in blender.
8. Now add broccoli mixture (smooth or chunky) into large saucepan with the milk.
9. Remove from heat and stir in cheese.
10. Serve immediately.

Reviews

[Cathy in Ontario]

This recipe says "soup for the soul"....and THAT it IS!! My husband and I just loved it, and it has become a very favourite our home. It is so delicious, easy and quick to make, and so, so comforting and soothing. I chop the broccoli fairly fine and then use a potato masher on it once I put the cooked broccoli in the milk mixture, and it give just the right texture for us. We like it a bit on the chunky side, but not too chunky. With a piece of homemade bread, we find this soup hearty enough for supper. Thank you Lennie for sharing it with us!

[Vic1]

Whenever anyone asks me to peel broccoli, I usually run.. Indeed, I did not bother with the stems, but this is just what I was looking for. Easy, and tasty. I did increase the cheese by about 50%, and it held up fine. Well worth the effort.

[Izzy Knight]

I love it! I used skim milk and no-fat cheddar, but it still yields great taste. I suggest you puree bout 1/3 of the boiled broccoli and add it to the sauce. Plus, parsley and cayenne is a good way to garnish the dish. Thank you!