Creamy Broccoli Soup

Creamy broccoli soup is a delicious and easy-to-make soup that is perfect for a cold day. It is made with a combination of broccoli, chicken broth, milk, and cream. The soup is then thickened with a roux, which is a mixture of butter and flour.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/2 onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 head broccoli, cut into florets

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup milk

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• Optional: shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

2. Add the broccoli and cook until bright green, about 5 minutes more.

3. Add the chicken broth, milk, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.

4. Puree the soup with an immersion blender or in a blender until smooth.

5. Serve hot, garnished with shredded cheddar cheese, if desired.

Tips and Tricks:

• For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth.

• If you don't have any heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or milk.

• If you don't have an immersion blender, you can puree the soup in a blender in batches.

• Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, bacon bits, or croutons.

Story about the dish:

I first had creamy broccoli soup at a restaurant when I was in college. I was immediately hooked by the creamy, cheesy, and flavorful combination of broccoli, chicken broth, milk, and cream. I started making creamy broccoli soup at home and quickly realized that it is a very easy dish to make.

I love to experiment with different variations of creamy broccoli soup. I have made creamy broccoli soup with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, parmesan, or Gruyère. I have also made creamy broccoli soup with different vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or cauliflower. I have found that creamy broccoli soup is a very versatile dish that can be adapted to your own taste preferences.

If you are looking for a delicious and easy-to-make soup, I highly recommend trying creamy broccoli soup. It is a dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.

Additional tips and tricks:

• If you don't have a lot of time, you can use frozen broccoli florets. Just be sure to thaw them before adding them to the soup.

• If you want to make the soup ahead of time, you can do so up to the point of pureeing it. Then, let the soup cool completely and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you are ready to serve, reheat the soup over medium heat until it is warmed through.

• If you want to make the soup vegan, you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and vegan cheese instead of dairy cheese.

I hope you enjoy this recipe for creamy broccoli soup!