Broccoli
Soup with Cheddar Crust
6 tablespoons butter, divided
use
2 pounds broccoli, chopped into bite-size pieces, stems reserved
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
6 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup whipping cream
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Melt half the butter in a medium-sized,
heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add broccoli stems
and onion; sauté until onion is translucent. Add garlic,
salt and thyme and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in chicken
broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until broccoli
stems are tender, about 10 minutes; stir in cream (do not boil).
- Mix remaining 3 tablespoon butter with
flour in a small bowl until a paste is formed. Whisk paste into
soup. Add broccoli florets to pot and cook over medium heat until
soup thickens and broccoli is tender, about 5 minutes; stir frequently.
- Preheat broiler. Place 6 ovenproof soup
bowls on a low-rimmed baking sheet. Divide soup between bowls
and sprinkle with cheese. Place under broiler until cheese melts
and turns golden brown. Serve immediately.
Makes 6 servings.