Broccoli Cheddar Potato Soup

Soups are so comforting that I could eat soup for lunch and dinner. They are also one of the things that make cold weather just a bit more bearable. This soup is creamy, full of cheese and loaded with some vegetables. A good combination between healthy and delicious.

When making this soup I didn't have much liquid left after the potatoes were done cooking so I needed to add more. Depending on how much liquid you have left you may or may not need to add some more. Unfortunately I did not measure how much I added, but it was about 1-1 1/2 cups. 

Broccoli Cheddar Potato Soup

Ingredients:

• 5 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1 1/3 cups diced carrots
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 3 1/2 cups cubed russet potatoes, about 1/2 inch thick
• 3 cups chopped broccoli florets
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• black pepper, to taste
• 6 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. In a large pot, over medium heat, melt 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter. Add in the carrots, celery and onion, sauté for 3-4 minutes. Add in the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
2. Stir in the chicken broth, potatoes, thyme and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium, cover with a lid and cook for 15 minutes. Stir in the broccoli and cook 5 minutes longer or until the vegetables are tender.
3. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Whisk in the flour and cook whisking constantly for 1 minute. While whisking constantly, slowly pour in the milk. Continue to whisk until the mixture begins to thicken. Stir in the heavy cream. Remove from the heat.
4. Once the vegetables are tender, pour the milk mixture into the pot and stir to combine. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the cheddar and parmesan cheese, stirring until cheese is melted.

Enjoy!!!

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 529
Total Fat		32g
Saturated Fat		19.2g
Trans Fat		0g
Polyunsaturated Fat		0.1g
Monounsaturated Fat		0g
Cholesterol		104.1mg
Sodium		711.8mg
Total Carbohydrates		40.8g
Dietary Fiber		5.4g
Sugars		10g
Protein		21.2g
Calcium		56.9%
Iron		32.7%
Potassium		942.3mg
Vitamin A		305.1%
Vitamin C		11.9%
*Nutritional information will vary depending on the brands you use.

*Adapted from Cooking Classy.