Description
This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting and nutritious American vegetarian soup made stovetop with fresh vegetables, blended cottage cheese, and sharp cheddar. It’s packed with protein from cottage cheese and provides a creamy, flavorful meal perfect for any occasion, balancing wholesomeness and indulgence in a cozy broth.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chopped broccoli
Liquids & Dairy
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cups vegetable broth (not-chicken style preferred)
- 2 cups 1% milk
- 1 cup low fat cottage cheese, blended
- 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
Other
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt butter: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat to prepare the base for sautéing vegetables.
- Sauté vegetables: Add diced onion, carrot, and celery to the pot and cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently to soften and develop flavors.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook another minute over medium heat to release its aroma.
- Add spices and flour: Sprinkle smoked paprika and flour over the vegetables, cooking and stirring for one minute until vegetables are well coated with the flour for thickening.
- Add broth and broccoli: Pour in the vegetable broth and add chopped broccoli, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer broccoli: Let the soup simmer for 8-9 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant.
- Add milk: Reduce heat to low and incorporate the 1% milk, warming the soup gently without boiling.
- Add cheeses: Stir in the blended low fat cottage cheese and shredded cheddar until completely melted, ensuring the heat is low to prevent curdling.
- Blend soup: Transfer one cup of the soup to a blender allowing steam to escape, blend until smooth, then return the blended portion to the pot. Alternatively, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup for a creamy texture.
- Season and serve: Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm and enjoy your nourishing high protein broccoli cheddar soup.
Notes
- Start with 3 cups of vegetable broth to control soup thickness; add more if needed to thin the soup.
- Blending part of the soup creates a creamier texture without fully pureeing—it balances smoothness and chunkiness.
- Use low heat when adding milk and cheese to prevent curdling of dairy ingredients.
- Substitute gluten-free flour to make the recipe gluten-free if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
