Description
A comforting and creamy Broccoli Potato Soup that blends tender potatoes, fresh broccoli, and rich cheddar cheese into a hearty meal. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this soup combines vegetables with creamy broth and subtle seasoning for a deliciously satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped
Seasonings
- 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 1/2 teaspoons salt
Liquids & Dairy
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
Thickener
- 1/4 cup flour
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of oil or butter (not listed but typically used). Add shredded carrots, chopped celery, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Potatoes, Broccoli, and Seasonings: Add the peeled and cubed potatoes, broccoli florets, black pepper, and salt to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Pour in Chicken Broth and Simmer: Pour the 4 cups of chicken broth over the vegetables. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 3 to 4 hours (240 minutes) or until the potatoes and broccoli are very tender.
- Prepare the Cream Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and flour to create a smooth mixture. This will thicken the soup when added.
- Thicken the Soup: Slowly stir the cream and flour mixture into the simmering soup. Continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens.
- Add Cheese and Final Touches: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the soup. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot.
Notes
- If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup before adding the cream mixture.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, then replace cheese with a plant-based alternative.
- For a quicker version, cook the vegetables in a pressure cooker to reduce simmering time.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences; start with less salt if using salted butter or stock.
