Description
Hearty high protein broccoli cheddar soup delivers comfort and nutrition in one delightful bowl. Creamy, cheesy goodness meets wholesome ingredients, creating a satisfying meal packed with flavor and wellness for hungry souls.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups chopped broccoli
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup low fat cottage cheese, blended
- 2 cups 1% milk
- 3 cups vegetable broth
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Thickeners:
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery for 8-10 minutes until vegetables soften and become translucent, stirring periodically.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 45-60 seconds, releasing aromatic flavors without browning.
- Sprinkle paprika and flour over vegetables, stirring continuously to create a smooth roux. Cook for 1 minute to eliminate raw flour taste.
- Pour in broth and add chopped broccoli. Simmer for 7-9 minutes until broccoli becomes tender but maintains a vibrant green color.
- Reduce heat to low and gently incorporate milk. Gradually fold in blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar, stirring until cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy consistency.
- For enhanced texture, remove one cup of soup and blend until smooth. Return blended portion to pot or use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, creating a slightly chunky texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt. Allow soup to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
Notes
- Choose fresh, crisp broccoli for the best texture and vibrant green color in the soup.
- Blend cottage cheese for extra protein boost and creamy consistency without adding heavy cream.
- Cut vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
- Swap cheddar with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version that maintains rich, cheesy flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg