Broccoli Cheddar Soup

By á-5981

Ingredients

• 6 T Butter
• 1 small onion chopped
• 1/4 c flour
• 2 c half and half
• 3 c chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/4 t freshly grated nutmeg
• kosher salt and ground pepper
• 4-7 inch sourdough round loaves
• 4 c broccoli florets (about 1 head)
• 1 large carrot diced
• 2-1/2 c (8oz) grated sharp white and yellow cheddar cheese

Details

Servings 4

Preparation

Step 1

Melt butter in large dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Whisk in the flour and cook until golden, 3-4 minutes, then gradually add the half and half until smooth. Add the chicken broth, bay leaves and nutmeg, then season with salt and pepper and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook uncovered until thickened, about 20 minutes. Meanwhile prepare the bread bowls: using a sharp knife, cut a circle into the top of each loaf, leaving a 1 inch border all around. Remove the bread top, then hollow out the middle with a fork or your fingers, leaving a thick bread shell. Add the broccoli and carrot to the broth mixture and simmer until tender, about 20 minutes. Discard the bay leaves. Puree the soup in batches in a blender until smooth; you'll still have flecks of carrot and broccoli. Return to the pot. (or puree the soup in the pot with an immersion blender) Add the cheese to the soup and whisk over medium heat until melted. Add up to 3/4c water if the soup is too thick. Ladle into the bread bowls and garnish with shredded cheese.