5 INGREDIENT BROCCOLI CHEDDAR SOUP RECIPES

Steps:

• Chop the broccoli into 1 inch pieces and slice the carrot into rounds.
• Chop 1/2 of a red onion or the whole thing if its a small one.
• Heat the olive oil, in a pot big enough to hold all the vegetables, over medium heat and saute the onion first for 1 minute.
• Add the rest of the vegetables.
• Season with salt and pepper(use white pepper if you have it) and cook until the onion turns translucent. About 10 minutes.
• Add just enough chicken broth to cover the broccoli. (I like to use homemade chicken broth whenever I can.)
• Bring to a simmer and cook until the broccoli is soft and tender.
• Remove from heat and cool for a minute or 2.
• Blend the soup in batches so it doesnt explode and make a mess.
• Transfer the soup into a new clean pot and stir in the milk.
• If you want it to be thinner add more chicken stock and season with salt and pepper.

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrot and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until just tender, about 5 minutes. Whisk in the flour and cook until golden, 3 to 4 minutes, then gradually whisk in the half-and-half until smooth. Add the chicken broth, broccoli, bay leaves, nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon salt and few grinds of black pepper Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low and simmer, uncovered and stirring occasionally, until the broth has thickened and the broccoli is very tender, about 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, prick the potato all over with a fork and put on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high until tender, flipping halfway through, about 6 minutes. Let cool, then peel. Use a fork or potato masher to mash until crumbly. 
• Reserve 2 cups of the soup in a liquid measuring cup and discard the bay leaves. Let the remaining hot soup cool for 5 minutes or so, then transfer it to a blender, filling no more than halfway. Add the mashed potato. Remove the center cap from the lid and place it on the blender. Cover the lid with a folded kitchen towel to catch splatters, and pulse until very smooth. 
• Stir the pureed soup and reserved 2 cups of soup back into the pot. Whisk in the cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Ladle into serving bowls and top with more shredded Cheddar.