Last week I bought a big ol’ honkin bag of broccoli for $4.00 from the discount bin. I’ve never done that before. I don’t know why because there are some great deals in there and a lot of the produce is perfect for making soup, so that’s just what I did.
One of my favorite things about making soup is how versatile and easy it is to make. It’s right up there with a frittata…almost anything goes! Just use what you have on hand. If a soup recipe calls for heavy cream, you can substitute milk or half & half. If it calls for vegetable stock, you can almost always substitute chicken stock or even beef stock. So even though I’m going to give you a recipe, take it with a grain of salt (no pun intended). In fact, this isn’t exactly the recipe I used because I had about five pounds of broccoli, but I’ve adjusted the amounts for ‘normal’ size ingredients so your results will be the same.
Creamy Cheddar Broccoli Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 large clove of garlic finely chopped
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups fat free or regular half & half
- 4 cups chopped broccoli I use almost the entire stalk except for the very tough ends
- 1 cup shredded carrots get the bag that's already shredded...much easier
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh nutmeg optional
- 1 bay leaf optional
- 2 1/2 cup sharp cheddar
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Let's Get Cookin'!
- In a pot on medium-high heat, add your butter. When melted, add you chopped onions. When the onions have softened a bit, add your garlic, stirring for a couple of minutes. Add your carrots, broccoli and bay leaf, and again, stirring for a minute or two. Add your stock and bring to a low boil, then immediately lower your heat and simmer on medium, covered, for about 20 minutes.
- In a separate small saucepan, make your roux. Melt 3 tablespoons butter on medium heat, whisking constantly, then slowly add 3 tablespoons of flour, continuing to whisk. If you prefer your soup thick, add more roux (another tablespoon of each should do the trick).
- Pour the roux in the soup mix and slowly stir in your half & half and leave your pot uncovered and on low heat. Take out the bay leaf and season with the above spices, and add salt to taste.
- Optional: Using an immersion blender, liquefy the soup, or alternately place soup in batches in a food processor.
- Last but not least! Stir in the grated cheese and remove from heat immediately. Serve garnished with extra cheese and/or parsley.
Notes
This soup can be frozen, and believe me, that's exactly what I did because I ended up with enough to feed a small army. The best $4.00 I ever spent!
So tell me, do you grab some produce from the bargain bins ever? What do you use it for? There’s usually a large quantity which can sometimes turn people off, so I’d love to hear some tips from you all.
Brenda Kula says
It’s been a cool day. This sounds so good!
Brenda
Andi says
I actually just did the same thing Wednesday!! Very similar recipe. Great minds think alike. I just had some leftover soup for breakfast this morning. 🙂
-andi
Doreen says
I’ve heard of breakfast for dinner, but dinner for breakfast Andi! lol. Leave it to you GF!
Nana Diana says
Our whole family loves broccoli so this would be perfect. I am saving this recipe and I may just try this sometime later this week. Thanks- love it- xo Diana
Ceciia says
Yum…can I come over for some? I’ll bring some French bread. You post the most delicious-sounding recipes, Doreen. I love soup! This one would be so good too. Have a wonderful week!
hugs,
Cecilia
Amy @ Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
This soup sounds right up my alley. I like that you can use fat free half and half. I’m trying to watch my cholesterol!
Amy @ StowandTellU says
Any time I can buy and use fresh produce at a deal, I all over that. I notice that they even have bread and dare I say, desserts in those bargain bins. Hard to pass up when prices are skyrocketing. Your soup looks delicious and perfect for a cool spring meal.
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
We love soup in this household…I try to have a hearty soup at least once a week for dinner…love this recipe…pinning!!!
kelly says
That soup looks good! I’ve never bought vegetable from the discount bin before. I’m sure it’s a better bargain when making stews and soups.