Slow Cooker Cheesy Broccoli Soup

Ingredients and Weight:

• Chicken broth: 6 cups
• Broccoli florets: 1 pound
• Onion: 1 medium, chopped
• Celery: 1 medium, chopped
• Carrots: 2 medium, chopped
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• All-purpose flour: 1/4 cup
• Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: 2 cups
• Milk: 1 cup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

6-8 hours on low

Difficulty Level:

2/5 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large skillet, sauté the onion, celery, carrots, and garlic in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until softened.
2. Pour the sautéed vegetables into a slow cooker along with the chicken broth.
3. Add the broccoli florets and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
4. Once the soup is cooked, remove 2 cups of the broth and set aside.
5. Puree the remaining soup with an immersion blender or in a regular blender until smooth.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and milk until smooth.
7. Gradually add the reserved broth to the flour mixture while whisking constantly.
8. Bring the flour mixture to a simmer in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly.
9. Slowly add the simmering flour mixture to the soup while stirring.
10. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
11. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 300 per serving
• Fat: 15 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30 grams
• Protein: 15 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Creamy and cheesy
• Satisfying and comforting
• Perfect for a cold winter day

User Comments:

• "This soup was so easy to make and tasted amazing! The broccoli was perfectly tender and the cheese was melted and gooey."
• "I loved the creamy texture of this soup. It was so smooth and flavorful."
• "This is my go-to comfort food recipe. It's always a hit with my family and friends."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• If you don't have an immersion blender, you can puree the soup in a regular blender in batches. Just be sure to let it cool slightly before blending to avoid splatters.
• Feel free to customize the soup to your liking. For example, you could add diced tomatoes, cooked chicken, or even a dollop of sour cream.