Description
This rich and creamy High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting American classic with a healthy twist. Packed with 20 grams of protein per serving, it combines tender broccoli, sharp cheddar, and blended cottage cheese for a velvety texture that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Perfect for a cozy meal, this stovetop soup is easy to prepare and bursts with flavor.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chopped broccoli
Dairy
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cups 1% milk
- 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup low fat cottage cheese, blended
Pantry
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 cups vegetable broth (not-chicken style)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt the butter: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter to create a flavorful base for your soup.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery to the pot and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently until the vegetables are softened and aromatic.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional one minute over medium heat to enhance the flavor.
- Add spices and flour: Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and flour, cooking for one minute while stirring constantly to coat the vegetables and start thickening the base.
- Add broth and broccoli: Pour in the vegetable broth and chopped broccoli; bring the mixture to a simmer on medium heat.
- Simmer broccoli: Let the broccoli cook for 8-9 minutes until it is tender but still vibrant green.
- Add milk: Reduce heat to low and stir in the 1% milk, warming the soup gently without boiling.
- Incorporate cheeses: Add the blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar, stirring carefully until the cheese melts smoothly into the soup. Keep the heat low to prevent curdling.
- Blend soup: Transfer one cup of the soup to a blender, allowing steam to escape to avoid pressure buildup; blend until smooth and return to the pot. Alternatively, use an immersion blender to gently blend the soup directly in the pot.
- Season: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Stir well and serve hot for a comforting high-protein meal.
Notes
- Using low-fat dairy helps keep the soup lighter while maintaining creaminess.
- Blending part of the soup creates a smooth texture without completely pureeing the broccoli, providing a pleasant consistency.
- Be cautious with heat when adding the milk and cheeses to prevent curdling.
- Vegetable broth labeled ‘not-chicken’ adds rich flavor while keeping the recipe vegetarian-friendly.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour.
