As the seasons shift and temperatures drop, there’s an undeniable allure to a warm, hearty bowl of soup. Among the myriad of options, the Loaded Broccoli Potato Soup stands out—a delightful amalgamation of tender vegetables, creamy broth, and savory toppings that promise both comfort and satisfaction. This recipe not only offers a rich and filling meal but also incorporates wholesome ingredients that contribute to a balanced diet.
Ingredients:
- 2 (14.5-ounce) cans low-sodium chicken brothlilluna.com
- 2-3 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 small heads broccoli, chopped into small floretslilluna.com
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 3½ – 4 cups milk (whole or 2%)Reddit+1lilluna.com+1
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheeseSamsung Food
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic pepperSamsung Food
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and choppedReddit+2Samsung Food+2lilluna.com+2
Instructions:
- Simmer the Base: In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, diced carrots, cubed potatoes, and onion powder. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Add Broccoli: After the initial simmering, add the chopped broccoli to the pot. Cover and continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender.
- Prepare the Roux: In a separate large saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about one minute, or until the mixture turns golden brown.
- Incorporate Milk: Gradually whisk the milk into the roux, increasing the heat to medium. Cook this mixture, stirring continuously, for approximately 5 minutes, or until it thickens.
- Melt the Cheese: Once the milk mixture has thickened, add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and garlic pepper.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the cheese sauce into the pot with the cooked vegetables. Stir thoroughly to combine all components. If a thinner consistency is desired, add more milk at this stage. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the soup warm, topped with the chopped bacon pieces.
Additional Tips:
- Vegetarian Alternative: To make this soup vegetarian-friendly, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the bacon.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar is traditional, experimenting with cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack can introduce new flavor profiles.Samsung Food+4Mel’s Kitchen Cafe+4thecozycook.com+4
- Consistency Preferences: For a chunkier soup, leave the vegetables as they are. For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to purée a portion of the soup before adding the cheese sauce.
Nutritional Information:
A typical serving of this Loaded Broccoli Potato Soup provides a balance of carbohydrates from the potatoes, fiber and vitamins from the broccoli and carrots, protein from the cheese and milk, and fats from the butter and bacon. To reduce the calorie content, consider using low-fat milk and cheese, and limiting the amount of bacon used as a topping.
Conclusion:
The Loaded Broccoli Potato Soup is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent. Whether enjoyed as a starter or a main course, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household, especially during the colder months. Its versatility allows for modifications to suit dietary preferences, making it a go-to recipe for many occasions.
*Note: This recipe is inspired by traditional methods of preparing hearty vegetable soups and incorporates common ingredients to achieve a rich and satisfying flavor. Always ensure that all components are cooked thoroughly before serving.*