High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup: A Nutritious and Creamy Comfort Food

If you’re looking for a comforting bowl of soup that’s not only delicious but also packed with protein, this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is just what you need. It’s creamy, flavorful, and loaded with veggies like broccoli, carrots, and celery. The best part? The addition of blended cottage cheese gives this soup an extra protein boost, making it both hearty and nutritious without sacrificing any of the rich, cheesy goodness we love in classic broccoli cheddar soup.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 4 cups vegetable broth (preferably not-chicken style)
• 4 cups chopped broccoli
• 2 cups 1% milk
• 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
• 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese, blended
• Salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Melt the Butter
   In a large pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
2. Cook the Vegetables
   Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently until the vegetables soften.
3. Add the Garlic
   Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Soup Base

1. Add Spices and Flour
   Stir in the smoked paprika and flour, cooking for 1 minute to coat the vegetables with the flour. This will help thicken the soup.
2. Pour in the Broth
   Gradually add the vegetable broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the chopped broccoli and bring the soup to a simmer. Cook for 8-9 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.

Step 3: Add Dairy and Cheese

1. Stir in the Milk
   Lower the heat and gently stir in 2 cups of milk. Heat the soup gently, making sure not to let the milk boil.
2. Add Cottage Cheese and Cheddar
   Blend 1 cup of low-fat cottage cheese until smooth. Stir it into the soup along with the shredded cheddar cheese, and mix until both cheeses are fully melted and the soup is creamy. Keep the heat low to prevent the milk or cheese from curdling.

Step 4: Blend for Creaminess

1. Blend the Soup (Optional)
   To achieve a creamier texture, blend one cup of the soup in a blender and return it to the pot. Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some broccoli pieces for texture.

Step 5: Season and Serve

1. Adjust Seasoning
   Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
2. Serve
   Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread or enjoy it on its own for a comforting, protein-packed meal.

Recipe Summary:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Calories: 260 kcal per serving
• Servings: 6 servings

Why You’ll Love This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup:

• Protein-Packed: Thanks to the addition of blended cottage cheese, this soup delivers a significant protein boost, making it a great option for anyone looking to increase their protein intake.
• Nutritious & Flavorful: This soup is packed with veggies like broccoli, carrots, and celery, offering a hearty dose of fiber and nutrients. The combination of sharp cheddar cheese and smoked paprika adds a rich, savory flavor.
• Creamy Without the Guilt: The use of low-fat cottage cheese and 1% milk keeps this soup creamy and satisfying without being too heavy or calorie-dense.

Tips for Perfecting Your Soup:

• Don’t Boil the Milk: When adding the milk, keep the heat low and avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
• Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend more of the soup for a smoother texture, or add less broth. For a chunkier soup, leave more of the vegetables intact.
• Make It Your Own: Feel free to swap out cheddar cheese for other types of cheese, like sharp white cheddar or even gouda, for a different flavor twist.

Why This Soup Is Perfect for Fall

There’s nothing better than a warm, comforting bowl of soup as the weather cools down, and this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup checks all the boxes. It’s creamy, full of flavor, and provides a substantial amount of protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

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