Description
This hearty and nutritious High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner. Packed with tender broccoli florets, lean protein, and a rich, cheesy broth, it’s a delicious way to fuel your day. Enjoy a warming bowl that satisfies both your taste buds and your nutritional goals!
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics:
1 large head broccoli, cut into small florets
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
Liquid Base:
4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or your choice of milk)
Protein Boost:
1 cup cooked, shredded chicken breast (or extra tofu for a vegetarian option)
Cheese & Seasonings:
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1/2 cup Greek yogurt (for extra creaminess and protein)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten‑free flour for thickening)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Sauté Vegetables:
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Add garlic and thyme; cook for another minute. -
Form the Soup Base:
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Pour in the broth and almond milk gradually, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer. -
Add Broccoli & Protein:
Stir in the broccoli florets and shredded chicken (or tofu). Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 10–12 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still bright green. -
Incorporate Cheese & Yogurt:
Remove the pot from heat. Slowly stir in the grated cheddar cheese until fully melted. For extra creaminess and protein, whisk in the Greek yogurt. Season with salt and pepper to taste. -
Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional cheddar or fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot with whole-grain bread or a side salad.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, blend half of the soup using an immersion blender and then stir it back into the pot.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with extra tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
- Adjust the thickness by adding more broth or simmering longer to reduce the liquid.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~1 bowl
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg