BROCCOLI-CHEESE SOUP

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Published March 1, 2011. From Cook's Illustrated.

To make a vegetarian version of this soup, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth.

2.11 - Made this twice for Ally, Jerry & Jasper while we were waiting for Ella to arrive. The first time it was fabulous but something went wrong with the second batch. I think there was a lot going on in the kitchen and I might have doubled the liquid! It was still ok. I think that the first time around I used more broccoli as I was trying to use everything in the veggie bin so it wouldn't spoil.

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  • 6

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 pounds broccoli , florets roughly chopped into 1-inch pieces, stems trimmed, peeled, and cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
  • 1 medium onion , roughly chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 2 medium garlic cloves , minced or pressed through garlic press (about 2 teaspoons)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard powder
  • pinch cayenne pepper
  • Table salt
  • 3 –4 cups water
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (see note)
  • 2 ounces baby spinach (2 loosely packed cups)
  • 3 ounces sharp cheddar cheese , shredded (3/4 cup)
  • 1 1/2 ounces Parmesan cheese , grated fine (about 3/4 cup), plus extra for serving
  • Ground black pepper

Preparation

Step 1

1. Heat butter in large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. When foaming subsides, add broccoli, onion, garlic, dry mustard, cayenne, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 6 minutes. Add 1 cup water and baking soda. Bring to simmer, cover, and cook until broccoli is very soft, about 20 minutes, stirring once during cooking.

2. Add broth and 2 cups water and increase heat to medium-high. When mixture begins to simmer, stir in spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 minute. Transfer half of soup to blender, add cheddar and Parmesan, and process until smooth, about 1 minute. Transfer soup to medium bowl and repeat with remaining soup. Return soup to Dutch oven, place over medium heat and bring to simmer. Adjust consistency of soup with up to 1 cup water. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve, passing extra Parmesan separately.

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