Monday, March 4, 2013

BROCCOLI CHEESE SOUP

Hi, Hope you had a great weekend. Last week I had half a packet of Broccoli lying in the fridge for many days. Not knowing what to do decided to make this soup which I had thoroughly enjoyed eating at the Panera Bread restaurant. Although I didn't know what was needed, I knew the main two ingredients and one of them happen to be Broccoli and that was enough to get me started. So, here it goes, a delicious bowl of ...

BROCCOLI CHEESE SOUP

INGREDIENTS



BROCCOLI: 1 cup, cut into small florets
ONION: 1/2 cup finely chopped
BUTTER: 3 tbsp
VEGETABLE STOCK/BROTH: 1 cup
MILK 1 cup
ALL PURPOSE FLOUR: 2 Tbsp
CHEESE: 1 Cup (Mix of Cheddar, Mozarella or Mexican blend)
SALT AND PEPPER AS REQUIRED

WATER if needed


Broccoli Cheese Soup



MAKING

Take a pan. add butter and allow it to melt. Add the chopped onion and saute it until it sweats and begins to change color. Now, add the all-purpose flour and stir well for at least 3-4 minutes. Slowly add the milk with a bit of salt and stir it on low flame for about 5 minutes. Also, add a cup of vegetable broth. Once you see the sauce beginning to boil and thicken, add the Brocolli florets and cook on low flame for at least 10-12 minutes. Switch off the gas before adding the cheese and mix well. if needed add water to make it into the soup consistency you desire. Finish it with a dash of pepper for taste and serve hot. Delicious Brocolli Cheese Soup is ready, Enjoy!

TIPS

I didn't cut the Brocolli but plucked out small florets instead, as cutting tends to leave a lot of powder which I didn't like. 

I cooked the broccoli in the white sauce for just 15 minutes so it still has the bite to it and not get soggy.

I preferred to use the white Onion as it helps retain the color of the soup. I also used a lot of sharp cheddar cheese as it has a distinctive taste and also is a bit salty which adds to the flavor of the soup.

The soup is simple and does not have a lot of flavors but that worked and became the best part of it.

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