Read by Michael Flamel

Once upon a time in the burgeoning culinary landscape of America, a humble yet hearty soup was born. It all started with the early European settlers who brought with them their cherished recipes and culinary traditions. Among these was a simple, nutritious, and beloved dish: broccoli soup.

As the settlers established their new lives, they began to interact with the Native American tribes, who introduced them to a treasure trove of local ingredients and unique preparation methods. This fusion of European and Native American culinary practices laid the foundation for what would become a distinctly American cuisine.

In a quaint colonial kitchen, nestled among the rolling hills of the New England countryside, a resourceful cook named Abigail discovered a way to elevate the humble broccoli soup. She had a bountiful garden filled with fresh vegetables, and her pantry boasted an impressive array of local cheeses, thanks to the burgeoning dairy farms in the area.

One crisp autumn day, Abigail decided to experiment. She started with her usual broccoli soup, simmering fresh broccoli florets in a fragrant broth made from local herbs and vegetables. As the soup bubbled away, she remembered the rich, creamy cheddar cheese she had recently acquired from a neighboring farm. With a twinkle in her eye and a spirit of culinary adventure, she grated the cheddar and stirred it into the soup.

The result was nothing short of magical. The sharpness of the cheddar melded beautifully with the earthiness of the broccoli, creating a velvety, savory soup that was both elegant and hearty. News of Abigail’s delightful creation spread quickly, and soon, broccoli cheddar soup became a beloved staple in American kitchens.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

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A creamy, comforting broccoli cheddar soup made with fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and sharp cheddar cheese—blended to your preferred texture and perfect for cozy meals.

• Author: Don Nicholas
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4-6 1x
• Category: Soups

Ingredients

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• 2 large heads of broccoli, chopped into florets
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cups vegetable broth (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 cups whole milk or heavy cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prep the Vegetables: Wash and chop all vegetables. Set aside the broccoli florets.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Broccoli and Herbs: Stir in the broccoli florets, thyme, and basil. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Create the Base: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
5. Add Broth and Simmer: Gradually pour in the vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
6. Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to purée the soup to your desired consistency. For a chunkier texture, blend only part of the soup, leaving some pieces of broccoli intact.
7. Add Dairy: Stir in the milk or cream, then slowly add the grated cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
8. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley.

Serving Suggestions and Beverage Pairings

As a Main Dish

Serve the broccoli cheddar soup with a side of crusty bread and a green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. A glass of crisp Chardonnay or a light, hoppy IPA complements the creamy, cheesy soup beautifully.

As Part of a Larger Multicourse Meal

Starter: Begin with a light appetizer, such as a mixed greens salad with a citrus vinaigrette.

Main Course: Follow with a roasted chicken or a baked salmon fillet, accompanied by roasted seasonal vegetables.

Dessert: End the meal with a simple yet elegant dessert, like a fruit tart or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this broccoli cheddar soup, with its rich history and delightful flavors, is sure to bring warmth and joy to any table. ❖