Description
This lighter version of Broccoli Cheddar Soup is just as creamy and flavorful as the classic, but with a healthier twist. With plenty of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and broccoli, plus a blend of low-fat ingredients like cottage cheese and 1% milk, this soup is both satisfying and nutritious. It’s the perfect cozy meal, packed with goodness without sacrificing flavor!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 cups vegetable broth (or “not-chicken” style for a vegetarian option)
- 4 cups chopped broccoli
- 2 cups 1% milk
- 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese, blended
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Prepare the Vegetables:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
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Cook the Garlic and Spices:
- Add the minced garlic and smoked paprika to the pot. Cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant.
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Make the Roux:
- Stir in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to create a roux.
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Add Broth and Simmer:
- Slowly add the vegetable broth while whisking to avoid lumps.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook for about 5 minutes until it starts to thicken.
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Add Broccoli and Milk:
- Stir in the chopped broccoli and 1% milk.
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
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Blend the Soup:
- Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth, or leave it slightly chunky if preferred.
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Add Cheese and Cottage Cheese:
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and blended cottage cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
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Season and Serve:
- Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Serve hot, and enjoy a healthy, comforting bowl of broccoli cheddar goodness.
Notes
- If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can blend just a portion of it or skip the blending step entirely.
- For a creamier texture, increase the amount of cottage cheese or use a full-fat version.
- You can use other vegetables, like zucchini or cauliflower, to add more variety to the soup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Soup, Healthy, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup, Lighter Broccoli Soup, Creamy Broccoli Soup, Healthy Comfort Soup, Easy Healthy Soup, Low-fat Soup