Creamy Cheesy Broccoli and Vegetable Soup

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 medium head broccoli (1 lb), cut into florets
• 1 large onion (8 oz), chopped
• 2 carrots (6 oz), peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks (4 oz), chopped
• 2 cloves garlic (2 oz), minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (4 oz)
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (2 oz)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation Time:

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 30 minutes

Difficulty Level:

• 1 (Simple)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until softened.
2. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute more.
3. Stir in the broccoli florets and chicken broth, bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender and puree until smooth.
6. Stir in the milk, cheddar cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese, heat until cheese is melted and soup is hot.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 250 per serving
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 4g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Dish Characteristics:

• Creamy and cheesy
• Packed with vegetables
• Comforting and satisfying
• Easy to make

User Comments:

• "This soup is so creamy and delicious! The broccoli and cheese are a perfect combination."
• "I love that this soup is so easy to make and it's always a hit with my family."
• "This soup is the perfect comfort food for a cold winter day."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• If you don't have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender, but make sure to blend in batches and be careful not to overfill the blender.
• To make a vegetarian version of this soup, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and cheese.