Broccoli Cheese Soup

A wonderful creamy broccoli and cheese soup. Great to serve with crusty bread and a salad.

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons butter
• 1  cup onion, chopped
• 1  cup carrot, grated
• 1⁄2 cup celery, chopped
• 3  garlic cloves, minced
• 1  lb broccoli, cut into small pieces
• 2 1⁄2 cups chicken broth or 2 1⁄2 cups vegetable broth
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
• 4  tablespoons butter
• 1⁄4 cup flour
• 1 1⁄2 cups milk or 1 1⁄2 cups  cream
• 2  cups cheddar cheese or 2  cups American cheese, grated
• 1⁄2 cup cream cheese
• 1  tablespoon dried parsley

Directions

1. In a medium size pot melt butter. Add onion, carrot, celery and garlic; saute till tender. Add broccoli, broth, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat . Let simmer 10-15 minutes, or till broccoli is tender; turn to down to low. Then leave mixture chunky, or lightly puree mixture with either a blender or hand puree wand; set aside. In another small pot melt the butter. Whisk in flour till smooth and thickened. Slowly add the milk or cream, whisking constantly, till thickened and bubbly. Stir in cheeses and parsley. Add cheese mixture to pureed broccoli and stir till combined. Bring soup to serving temperature and serve.