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5 from 1 vote

Broccoli and Cheddar Soup

Thick and creamy with rich flavors of cheddar and broccoli, this soup is a great weeknight meal. I like to serve this with any main protein to make a full meal. Grilled shrimp or even sautéed or broiled steak makes a good combination.
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Keyword american, broccoli, cheddar, cheese, nightshade-free, nut-free, soup, vegetarian
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 269kcal
Author Jenny Ross

Ingredients

  • 1/2 tablespoon butter
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • 20 ounces broccoli florets fresh or frozen
  • 20 ounces cauliflower florets fresh or frozen
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 canned anchovy filet drained, or 1 teaspoon anchovy paste, omit for vegetarian
  • 4 cups chicken broth use vegetable broth for vegetarian
  • 2 teaspoons fish sauce omit for vegetarian
  • 6 cups baby spinach 6 ounces, or use 6 ounces frozen
  • 4 cups butter lettuce
  • 1/4 cup parsley
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese about 1 cup, or use reduced fat to lower the fat more
  • 1 ounce Parmesan grated, about 1/2 cup
  • pinch nutmeg
  • pinch cayenne omit for nightshade-free
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Melt the butter in a large pot and add the onion and a generous seasoning of salt. Cook over medium-high heat until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more.
  • Add the broccoli, cauliflower, baking soda, anchovy paste, fish sauce, and chicken broth and bring to a boil. You want the vegetables almost submerged so add a bit more stock, if needed.
  • Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are completely tender. Add the spinach, parsley, and lettuce. Stir to wilt.
  • Using an immersion blender, puree the soup completely (or transfer in batches to a regular blender, only filling it about half full and slowly turning the speed up to blend the soup). Blend in the cheeses and adjust seasonings to taste. Thin with more broth, if desired. Serve with a little garnish of cheese.

Notes

Protein:Energy Quotient [calories]: 0.55

Nutrition

Calories: 269kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 1226mg | Potassium: 944mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 5165IU | Vitamin C: 145mg | Calcium: 448mg | Iron: 3mg