In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft, about 2 minutes.
1 Garlic, 1 Onion, 2 teaspoons Olive Oil
Season with black pepper. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute until lightly browned.
2 tablespoons All-purpose Flour
Gradually add broth, stirring continuously, until the mixture reaches a creamy consistency.
1 cup Broth
Mix in grated carrot. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 3 minutes, until carrot is al dente.
1 Carrot
Add broccoli florets to the pot. Pour in cream and mix well. Cover and cook for another 4 minutes, or until broccoli is tender.
1 ½ cup Broccoli florets, 1 cup Half and Half Cream
Stir in grated cheese and continue cooking on low heat until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth.
1 cup Cheddar, Salt, Black Pepper
Serve hot, topped with croutons for added texture and taste.
Quick Note
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Notes
Cheese Tips: For the best melting and flavor, grate your own cheddar cheese rather than buying pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the smoothness of the soup.
Adjusting Consistency: If you prefer a thinner soup, you can add more broth or milk to achieve your desired consistency. Conversely, if you like it thicker, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce, or use a bit more flour in the roux.
Herbs and Spices: Feel free to personalize the soup with your favorite herbs and spices. Thyme, rosemary, or a bay leaf can add a lovely depth of flavor. Just remember to remove any whole herbs like bay leaves before serving.
Garnish Options: Enhance your soup with garnishes like a sprinkle of extra cheese, fresh chopped parsley, croutons, or a swirl of cream. These not only add flavor but also make for a more visually appealing dish.
Handling Leftovers: If the soup thickens in the fridge, thin it out with a little broth or milk when reheating. Stir well to ensure it returns to a creamy consistency.
Broccoli Stems: Don't waste the broccoli stems! They can be peeled and diced, then added to the soup for extra fiber and nutrients.
Spice it Up: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
No Immersion Blender? No Problem: If you don't have an immersion blender but want a smoother soup, carefully transfer portions of the soup to a regular blender. Blend until smooth, then return to the pot.