Description
This rich and creamy broccoli cheddar soup is enhanced with cottage cheese and white beans to increase the protein content, making it both comforting and nutritious. It’s an excellent option for a cozy meal that will keep you full and satisfied.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 4 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 1 (15-ounce) can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups 1% milk
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and carrots, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the smoked paprika and flour, cooking for another minute while stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Gradually pour in the vegetable broth, stirring continuously to combine. Add the chopped broccoli florets and drained white beans. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the broccoli is tender, about 8-10 minutes.
- While the soup is simmering, blend the cottage cheese until smooth using a blender or immersion blender.
- Once the broccoli is tender, add the milk and blended cottage cheese to the pot, stirring to combine. Heat the soup over low heat, ensuring it doesn’t come to a boil.
- Using an immersion blender, partially blend the soup to your desired consistency, leaving some chunks of broccoli for texture. Alternatively, transfer half of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the soup warm, garnished with additional shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
Notes
- For an extra protein boost, you can use bone broth instead of vegetable broth.
- If you prefer a smoother soup, blend it entirely until you reach the desired consistency.
- This soup pairs well with a side salad or whole-grain bread for a complete meal.