Description
This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy, nutritious, and comforting meal perfect for any season. Packed with tender broccoli, savory cheddar cheese, and cottage cheese for an added protein boost, this soup combines simple ingredients to create a rich taste without heavy calories. It’s a wholesome option ideal for a light lunch or cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 4 cups chopped broccoli
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy & Cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cups 1% milk
- 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup low fat cottage cheese, blended
Pantry Items
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 cups vegetable broth (not-chicken style)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt Butter: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat to prepare the base for your soup.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery to the pot and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until they soften and become fragrant.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one minute over medium heat to release its aroma.
- Add Spices and Flour: Sprinkle the smoked paprika and flour over the vegetables, cooking for one more minute while stirring constantly to coat the vegetables and start thickening the soup.
- Add Broth and Broccoli: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the chopped broccoli. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer Broccoli: Let the soup simmer for 8-9 minutes until the broccoli is softened but still vibrant.
- Add Milk: Stir in the 1% milk and heat the soup over low heat until it is warmed through, careful not to boil to prevent curdling.
- Add Cheeses: Mix in the blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring gently until the cheeses are fully melted and incorporated.
- Blend Soup: Transfer about one cup of hot soup into a blender (or use an immersion blender) and puree it carefully, allowing steam to escape. Return the blended portion back to the pot to give the soup a creamy texture.
- Season to Taste: Finally, add salt and pepper to taste and stir well before serving.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour.
- Using low-fat or 1% milk helps reduce the calorie count while maintaining creaminess.
- Blending part of the soup creates a thicker, creamier texture without using cream.
- Be careful not to overheat after adding the milk and cheese to prevent curdling.
- You can use an immersion blender for convenience to avoid hot transfers to a blender jug.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
