Broccoli-cheddar soup

Broccoli-Cheddar Soup is a popular soup dish, known for its creamy texture and comforting taste. It is primarily made from broccoli and cheddar cheese, but can also include other ingredients such as onion, garlic, chicken broth, and milk or cream.

History

The exact origins of Broccoli-Cheddar Soup are unclear, but it is likely that it evolved from a combination of traditional British and American dishes. Broccoli has been a staple in British diets since the Roman Empire, while cheddar cheese is a classic American ingredient. The combination of these two ingredients in a creamy soup likely emerged in the 20th century, as creamy soups became more popular in American cuisine.

Preparation

The preparation of Broccoli-Cheddar Soup involves several steps. First, the broccoli is cooked until it is soft. This can be done by boiling, steaming, or roasting. The onions and garlic are then sautéed in butter until they are soft and fragrant. The broccoli, onions, and garlic are then combined with chicken broth and simmered until all the flavors are well combined.

The soup is then pureed, either in a blender or with an immersion blender, until it is smooth. The cheddar cheese is then added and stirred until it is completely melted. Finally, the soup is seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.

Variations

There are many variations of Broccoli-Cheddar Soup. Some recipes call for the addition of other vegetables, such as carrots or potatoes. Others use different types of cheese, such as Gruyère or Parmesan. Some versions are vegetarian, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. There are also vegan versions of the soup, which use non-dairy milk and cheese substitutes.

Nutritional Value

Broccoli-Cheddar Soup is high in vitamin C, vitamin K, and calcium, thanks to the broccoli and cheddar cheese. However, it can also be high in fat and sodium, especially if made with full-fat cheese and cream. To make a healthier version of the soup, one can use low-fat cheese and milk, and add extra vegetables.

See Also

• List of soups
• Cheese soup
• Cream soup