Broccoli Cheese Soup?

[Kathy]

Does anyone have a good recipe for Broccoli Cheese Soup that doesn't start with a can of cream of something soup?

I would like a from scratch recipe since I'm trying to cut back on foods with a lot of salt & chemicals.

[starfire]

I don't think I do but I love this soup!

[Deleted]

I don't have an exact recipe but there are two ways I make it. Either A)Velveeta- but it seems like you want to stay away from such OR B)

Make a white sauce with flour and butter, you're going to want to make quite a bit. Add milk until it's like sausage gravy then slowly add in grated sharp cheddar cheese (the flavor is diluted so I would make sure and get the sharp) This is how I make mac-n-cheese. Then cook your broccoli (I use coliflower and carrots too), steam/boil/whatever. Add the now thick cheese sauce and veggies to a pot and thin out with chicken stock. Add in fresh ground black pepper and some garlic powder. It's much better on the second day!

Hope that helps!

[hogflats]

Broccoli Cheese Soup

4 servings
30 min 10 min prep
2 cups low sodium chicken broth
3 cups chopped broccoli (, peeled stems included)
1/2 cup chopped celery
2 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
salt, to taste
freshly ground black pepper, , to taste
4 cups low-fat milk (don\'t use skim, though)
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated

In a medium saucepan, bring broth, broccoli (about 1 med. head will yield 3 cups chopped broccoli) and celery to a boil over high heat.
Reduce heat to medium and simmer until broccoli is tender, about 10 minutes.
Stir occasionally.
Meanwhile, melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat and stir in flour, salt and pepper; cook for 1 minute.
With a whisk or wooden spoon, add milk gradually, beating constantly to prevent lumping.
(It will thicken like paste at first; keep beating in milk to thin it.) Bring to a boil.
If you want a smooth soup, puree broccoli in blender.
Now add broccoli mixture (smooth or chunky) into large saucepan with the milk.
Remove from heat and stir in cheese.
Serve immediately.

[Kathy]

Thank you for the great recipes. I'm going to try both of them!

I love the soup and this cooler weather is just the right time to start thinking about cooking more soups and stews.

[Deleted]

Here's another one I've made before, only I didn't add the cheese. Next time I will. ;D

Dice up a couple (or 3 or 4) peeled potatoes and a bunch of broccoli and boil in water to cover by a couple of inches. (You could also add some sliced carrots or diced onion for a bit more color and flavor.) Don't drain when tender, just season with salt, pepper, paprika or whatever spice or herb you want to add, and use a hand mixer or food processor to puree it. Thin with milk or cream if necessary. At this point, you could add shredded cheese and melt it in until smooth.

It's really good even without the cheese, and it's a very welcome lunch or dinner on a cold winter day, especially with some crusty warm bread to dip in it.

~Lannie

[Kathy]

I'm getting hungry! All of the recipes sound good;this is going to be tasty research!

Now on top of soup; I want some homemade bread! ;D

[starfire]

Um, it is 11: 30 at night and all this soup talk has made me hungry! I might have to try these soon!