🥦 Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup 🧀

Savor the Warmth: A Comforting Bowl of Homemade Goodness Perfect for Any Family Meal

🍽️ Ingredients 🍽️
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2½ cups chopped broccoli, bite-sized pieces
- ½ onion, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar, plus more for garnish
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Garnish: Toasted sliced baguette

🧑‍🍳 Directions 🧑‍🍳
1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and allow to sweat until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Whisk in the flour and continue cooking for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3. Gradually stir in the chicken stock, then season with salt and pepper to your liking.
4. Add the diced celery and chopped broccoli to the pot. Increase the heat to bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low and let simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Reduce the heat further and stir in the milk, simmering for another 2 to 3 minutes until the soup thickens slightly.
6. Remove the pot from the heat. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese in small amounts, stirring well after each addition until the cheese is completely melted.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. Serve hot, topped with additional shredded cheddar and toasted baguette slices on the side.

🍎 Nutritional Information 🍎
- Calories: 310
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Proteins: 15g
- Fats: 20g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fiber: 2g

💡 Tips and Tricks 💡
- For a smoother soup, blend half the mixture with an immersion blender before adding the cheese.
- If you prefer a thinner consistency, feel free to add more milk or chicken stock until your desired thickness is achieved.
- Using sharp cheddar cheese will give a more intense flavor, but medium cheddar works well for a milder taste.

⏳ Preparation time ⏳
Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Serving: 4