Broccoli Cheese Soup

It seems that everyone raves about Panera's broccoli cheese soup. I have to honestly say I do not think I have ever had it. I have eaten at Panera but I do not think I have ever had any of their soups.

The creator of this soup claims that it is better than Panera's. From everything I have heard about Panera's soup that is a big claim. So I decided to try the soup and I have to say it was very very good, definitely one of the better ones I have made. Although I can not say if it is better than Panera's, you will just have to try it yourself and decide.

Broccoli Cheese Soup

Ingredients:

• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 2 cups low sodium vegetable stock
• 2 cups half and half
• 3 cups broccoli florets, diced into bite sized pieces
• 2 large carrots, thinly sliced into rounds
• 3/4 teaspoons black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
• pinch cayenne pepper
• 8 ounces shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese, plus more for garnish

Directions:

1. In a large pot, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add in the diced onion and sauté until the onions are softened and translucent, about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Add in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds or until fragrant, stirring constantly. Remove onions and garlic to a bowl and set aside.
3. Add the remaining 4 tablespoons butter and melt. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the mixture is lightly browned and thickened, whisking constantly.
4. Slowly whisk in the half and half and the broth, whisking constantly.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil and then turn the heat down to low and allow to simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the mixture has slightly thickened, whisking often.
6. Add in the chopped broccoli, sliced carrots, onions and garlic. Add in the the pepper, paprika, dry mustard and cayenne. Stir to combine. Allow to simmer over low heat for about 20-25 minutes or until the mixture has thickened more.
7. Add in the cheese and stir until melted. Serve the soup and garnish with additional shredded cheese if desired.

Enjoy!!!

Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories 587
Total Fat		44.3g
Saturated Fat		16.8g
Polyunsaturated Fat		0.6g
Monounsaturated Fat		3.5g
Trans Fat		0g
Cholesterol		77.5g
Sodium		460g
Potassium		364g
Total Carbohydrates		25.4g
Dietary Fiber		3.4g
Sugars		13g
Protein		25.3g
Vitamin A 123.4% Vitamin C 104.6%
Calcium 20.4% Iron 4.1%
*Nutritional information will vary depending on the brands you use.

*Adapted from Averie Cooks.