Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Broccoli cheddar soup is incredibly comforting and nostalgic for me. My mom used to make a version of this with homemade garlic bread, typically on the weekend, as I remember cupping a warm bowl in my lap while we'd have family movie night. It's hearty and full of flavor -- all I want on a cold winter's night. 

Like most of my recipes, this soup boasts basic pantry items, so it's a snap to make any night of the week. I almost always have frozen broccoli florets on hand, and they're perfect for this dish. I've found that most broccoli soups rely on canned mushroom or cheddar soup (which is totally fine if that's what you like), but my goal here is to create dishes that are simple yet clean, made from scratch whenever possible. Enjoy! -KM

INGREDIENTS

• Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 shallot or small onion, diced
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 (10oz) bags frozen broccoli florets
• 3 cups vegetable stock
• 1 cup 2% milk
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch + 3 tablespoons water 
• 4-6oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated 

METHOD

• ​Prep veggies and set them aside.
• Coat the bottom of a large pot with olive oil, add the butter and heat over medium-high until just bubbly. 
• Add the shallot or onion, celery and carrots; stir and cook a minute or two. Then, add the garlic, salt and pepper, as well as frozen broccoli. Stir well and cook another 2-3 minutes. 
• Pour in the stock, milk and cornstarch "slurry" (cornstarch + water mixed in a small bowl). Mix well and cook over medium for 5 minutes, or until broccoli is completely cooked through and begins to break apart with a spoon.
• Depending on your preferred texture, add as much (or as little) of the soup to a high-powered blender. Blend until smooth, then add back into the soup. I personally like a 70/30 ratio, smooth to chunky. *TIP: Simplify the process by using a hand-held immersion blender until desired consistency is achieved. 
• Serve alongside your favorite bread or crackers.