Cream of broccoli soup with cheddar

Step by Step

Step 1

Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until soft, 4 to 5 minutes; do not brown. Add the broccoli stems, broth, water, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil and cook over medium-high heat until the stems are partially cooked, about 10 minutes. Stir in the broccoli florets, cream, and nutmeg, and continue cooking until the florets are tender, about 5 minutes.

Step 2

Using a hand-held immersion blender, purée the soup until completely smooth. (Alternatively, cool the soup slightly and use a blender to purée in batches. Be sure to remove the center knob on the blender and cover with a dishtowel to avoid splatters.) Add 1½ cups of the cheese and stir until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.