Description
This Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup is a creamy, comforting dish packed with tender broccoli, sweet carrots, and rich smoked Gouda cheese. Perfect as a hearty lunch or a warming dinner, this quick and easy soup blends savory flavors with a velvety texture for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce Base
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
Liquid Ingredients
- 16 ounces vegetable or chicken broth
- 16 ounces whole milk
Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Vegetables
- 1 large head of broccoli, chopped into small florets
- 1 large carrot, grated
Cheese
- 8 ounces (226 g) smoked gouda, freshly grated
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Sauté Aromatics: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the diced onions and cook until they begin to brown and become translucent, about 4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Make Roux: Stir in the all-purpose flour to the onion and garlic mixture, forming a paste. Cook this roux for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in the vegetable or chicken broth along with whole milk, ensuring the mixture is smooth. Season with salt, paprika, and pepper, stirring well to combine.
- Add Vegetables and Simmer: Incorporate the chopped broccoli florets and grated carrot into the soup. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until the vegetables are tender to your preference.
- Incorporate Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and slowly add the freshly grated smoked gouda cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and integrated into the soup, creating a smooth, creamy texture.
- Serve: Ladle the warm soup into bowls and, if desired, garnish with croutons for added texture and crunch. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to blend the soup partially or fully before adding the cheese.
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option or chicken broth for more depth of flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt or paprika if desired.
- Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded due to lack of anti-caking agents.
- Serve with crusty bread or croutons to add extra texture.
