Name: Velvety Smoked Gouda Broccoli Embrace Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American Comfort
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil; 1 large yellow onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups vegetable broth; 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (from about 1 large head), tough stems removed; 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half; 8 ounces smoked Gouda cheese, shredded; 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste; Pinch of nutmeg (optional, for depth)

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
4 cups fresh broccoli florets (from about 1 large head), tough stems removed
1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
8 ounces smoked Gouda cheese, shredded
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Pinch of nutmeg (optional, for depth)

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Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Add the broccoli florets, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the broccoli is very tender.
Carefully transfer the soup mixture to a blender (or use an immersion blender directly in the pot). Blend until smooth and creamy. Return the pureed soup to the pot if using a standard blender.
Reduce heat to low. Stir in the milk or half-and-half and the shredded smoked Gouda cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and incorporated, creating a smooth, velvety consistency. Do not boil after adding the cheese.
Season with salt, black pepper, and an optional pinch of nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Serve hot, garnished with extra shredded smoked Gouda or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

For an extra boost of flavor, roast the broccoli florets before adding them to the soup. For a thicker soup, use less broth or add a cornstarch slurry at the end. This soup reheats beautifully; simply warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth if it’s too thick after chilling.

Author: Cook Reel
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Simmering and Blending
Cuisine: American Comfort

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 380
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 550mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 70mg