Broccoli Soup is a simple and delicious recipe that highlights the natural flavors of broccoli with a touch of creamy Cheddar cheese. With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, this soup is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. The combination of broccoli, water, skim milk, and Cheddar cheese creates a nutritious and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed throughout the year.
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 pounds (900 g) broccoli
- 3 cups (700 ml) water
- 1 cup (235 ml) skim milk
- ½ cup (58 g) Cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
PREPARATION:
- Start by chopping the broccoli into small florets, discarding any tough stalks.
- Place the chopped broccoli and water in the slow cooker, ensuring that the water covers the broccoli. If needed, add more water to cover the broccoli completely.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on high heat for 1 to 2 hours, allowing the broccoli to become tender.
- After the initial cooking time, add the skim milk to the slow cooker and cook for an additional 15 minutes. This step helps to incorporate the milk and adds creaminess to the soup.
- Stir in the Cheddar cheese cubes and continue cooking until the cheese is melted and fully blended into the soup, creating a smooth and cheesy texture.
- Once the cheese is melted, the soup is ready to be served.
YIELD: 5 servings
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:
- 353 g water
- 135 calories (31% from fat, 28% from protein, 40% from carbs)
- 10 g protein
- 5 g total fat
- 3 g saturated fat
- 1 g monounsaturated fat
- 0 g polyunsaturated fat
- 15 g carbs
- 5 g fiber
- 3 g sugar
- 242 mg phosphorus
- 255 mg calcium
- 1 mg iron
- 175 mg sodium
- 677 mg potassium
- 1363 IU vitamin A
- 64 mg ATE vitamin E
- 162 mg vitamin C
- 15 mg cholesterol
Broccoli Soup is a fantastic way to enjoy the vibrant flavors and health benefits of broccoli. This recipe requires just a few simple ingredients, making it an ideal choice for a quick and satisfying meal. With the addition of Cheddar cheese, the soup takes on a creamy and slightly tangy flavor that enhances the natural taste of the broccoli.
To prepare the soup, start by chopping the broccoli into small florets, discarding any tough stalks. Place the broccoli and water in the slow cooker, ensuring that the water covers the broccoli. Cooking the broccoli on high heat for 1 to 2 hours allows it to become tender and develop a rich flavor. Next, add skim milk to the slow cooker and continue cooking for an additional 15 minutes. The milk adds a creamy texture and enhances the overall richness of the soup.
Finally, stir in the Cheddar cheese cubes and continue cooking until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the soup. The melted cheese adds a delightful creaminess and a hint of savory flavor to the soup, making it more interesting and appealing.
The finished broccoli soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. Broccoli is a nutrient-packed vegetable that is rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. It is an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and potassium. Combined with the protein from skim milk and the calcium from Cheddar cheese, this soup provides a well-rounded and satisfying meal option.
When serving the broccoli soup, consider garnishing it with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper or a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil for an extra touch of flavor. You can also add some additional Cheddar cheese on top or serve it with crusty bread or croutons on the side for a more filling meal.
Whether enjoyed as a light lunch, a comforting dinner, or even as a starter for a larger meal, this creamy and cheesy broccoli soup is sure to please both kids and adults alike. It offers a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while indulging in the satisfying flavors of Cheddar cheese.
