Winter is just around the corner so it’s time to pull out your trusty soup maker! There’s nothing like wrapping your hands around a comforting bowl of warm soup on a chilly evening. Today, we’re making a healthy and delicious broccoli cheddar soup that’s sure to impress the entire family, even the kids! They’ll never know this delicious soup is made of their least favourite vegetable!
The moment you say cheese, your kids will forget all about the broccoli. What’s important is that this recipe keeps the soup lighter without sacrificing any of that creamy luscious goodness. The secret ingredient? Potatoes! Along with 1 measly cup of cheese, you eliminate the need for a roux, cream or milk. The soup still delivers bug on flavour – it’s velvety smooth and rich.
Equipment
I get quite attached to my appliances and when one works as well as the Wonderchef Soup Maker, I’m quite reluctant to change it, even for an upgrade. However I was pleasantly surprised with the Neo Soup Maker. It’s got a more powerful motor and heater along with the same trusted Wonderchef quality. There’s also a new clean programme to clean your soup maker once it’s done its job! Even though cleaning it was so easy, I’m not one to say no to less work! A soup maker is definitely an appliance you want in your arsenal. While you can make soups with a pot and a blender, a soup maker does both jobs and does it faster. When it’s this easy to make soups, you’ll be adding it to the menu every day.
Now broccoli usually gives people pause, but trust me, this is the best way to have it. You keep all the goodness of the broccoli, including the stem but in a delicious and easy to consume way. Broccoli is rich in vitamins C and K, fibre and powerful antioxidants that support immunity. If you’re looking to pack an even bigger punch you can even add some spinach to the soup. It’ll give you that ‘extra healthy’ feeling and make the soup even greener – and let’s be real, if it’s green, it’s gotta be good for you right? In all seriousness, a soup maker is a great option for anyone looking to eat healthier.
Going the extra mile with garnish not only makes your bowl look prettier, but also adds different textures and transforms the soup into a complete meal. Once the cycle is complete and my cheese is incorporated, I like to add small broccoli florets and grated carrot to let them soften just a bit. Croutons, chia seeds, slivered almonds and any other garnishes can be added right before serving.
If you like this recipe check out some other Soup Maker Classics like Thai Pumpkin Soup, Burnt Garlic Corn Soup and Kerala Style Vegetable Stew – all made in the Soup Maker.
BROCCOLI CHEESE SOUP
RECIPE CARD
Active Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
2 Heads of Broccoli
1 litre Stock or 1 litre Water with 3 Stock Cubes
1 Onion
3 Pods of Garlic
1 LargePotato
1 Cup Cheddar Cheese
Method
- Roughly chop up the broccoli heads into medium sized florets, including the tender stems. Keep a few florets aside for garnish.
- Roughly chop the onion and garlic and peel and halve the potato.
- Heat 1 tsp of oil in a small pan and fry the onions and garlic for 2 minutes.
- Add the onions, garlic, broccoli and potato to the Neo Soup Maker along with the stock. Do not add the Cheese at this stage. Set the mode to Smooth and start the programme.
- Meanwhile, shred the cheese and set aside.
- Cut the remaining broccoli florets into very small pieces.
- Steam for 2 minutes in a microwave with a little bit of water.
- Once the soup is ready, add the cheese and select the blend mode. Blend for 20 seconds. Allow the soup to sit for 10 minutes.
- Serve the soup in bowls and garnish with croutons, slivered almonds and the steamed broccoli.
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