Description
This Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting, low-calorie, vegetarian soup made with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a blend of flavorful spices. It’s creamy and delicious while being nutritious, perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner any day of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 medium head)
- 1 medium carrot, grated
Liquids and Broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or low-fat milk)
Seasonings
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
Cheese and Thickener
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (preferably reduced-fat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Vegetables and Liquids: Stir in the broccoli florets, grated carrot, vegetable broth, almond milk, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and ground mustard. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer the Soup: Cook uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and cooked through.
- Blend Soup: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency—either fully smooth or with some chunks remaining.
- Thicken (Optional): If a thicker soup is preferred, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the soup thickens.
- Add Cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the soup is smooth.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm.
Notes
- For added protein, stir in cooked shredded chicken or white beans.
- You can substitute cauliflower for part of the broccoli to lower carbohydrates.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat gently on the stove.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
