Broccoli Cheddar Soup

THE BEST broccoli cheese soup there ever was! So creamy, so cheesy. Perfect for those busy weeknights + picky eaters!

Creamy, velvety, broccoli cheese soup with sneaked in veggies? Yes, absolutely. I am all in. And it is truly the most perfect creamy consistency (with the help of the potatoes) without weighing you down like you’ve just eaten a bowl of queso.

If you want to keep this completely vegetarian, vegetable stock is a great sub for the chicken stock. And if you want an even heartier version, half and half can be subbed for the heavy cream.

But the most important thing here is to use good quality cheese that has been freshly shredded. It will make all the difference. And be sure to add them a handful at a time to avoid clumps. We do not like clumps here.

When ready to serve, top with additional cheese (if desired) and some crusty bread for dipping purposes.

Print

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

THE BEST broccoli cheese soup there ever was! So creamy, so cheesy. Perfect for those busy weeknights + picky eaters!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Total Time 1 hour

Servings 6 servings

Ingredients

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 1 medium sweet onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 ½ cups chicken stock
• 2 cups diced russet potatoes
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 5 cups finely chopped broccoli florets
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 8 ounces shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese about 2 cups

Instructions

• Melt butter in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
• Stir in garlic and thyme until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
• Stir in chicken stock, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
• Stir in potatoes; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
• Using a wooden spoon, mash potatoes until slightly thickened, if desired; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
• Stir in broccoli and heavy cream. Cook, covered, until broccoli is tender, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat; let cool 2 minutes.
• Stir in cheese, a handful at a time, until smooth, about 1-2 minutes; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
• Serve immediately.

The post Broccoli Cheddar Soup appeared first on Damn Delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions

Organic foods are better for us.

According to the Environmental Working Group, organic vegetables and fruits had half the amount of pesticides as non-organic. They discovered that organic apples contained eight more pesticides per gram than non-organic ones, while organic strawberries contained four times as many pesticides.

Other studies suggest that eating organic food reduces exposure to toxic metals like lead and mercury. One study found that organic meats had 33 percent less lead in children than the levels of those who did not eat them. Another study concluded traditional fish should not be consumed by pregnant women, due to high mercury levels.

Organic food seems to be safer than the non-organic. Experts recommend eating fresh fruits and veggies whenever possible to reduce the chance of developing cancer.

Are organic foods good for your health?

Even though organic foods might not be for everyone, there are some health benefits. There are certain health benefits to those who consume organic foods regularly.

Organic food is made without pesticides or herbicides, hormones or genetic engineering. Organic produce does not contain harmful chemicals that could be harmful to the human body.

Additionally, organic products are less likely to contain additives during processing. Organic products are healthier than those that use additives during processing.

Studies have shown organic foods have more nutrients and antioxidants that conventionally grown fruits, vegetables.

Even though organic farming methods can be more costly than conventional farming methods they are often more productive. When farmers grow crops organically, they encourage soil fertility and biodiversity.

This helps preserve water resources and prevents erosion. Organic farms also require less energy and fuel, as they aren't treated using toxic chemicals.

Some people fear that organic foods can be more costly than conventional foods. Prices can vary depending on where you live. For example, organic apples tend to be more expensive than traditional apples.

But if you look at the total price of a basket of both types of fruit, you'll see that buying organic is cheaper.

Do you want to go organic?

It all depends upon who you are. Organic food is not for you if you don’t like it.

You can still buy organic food if your preference is for good tasting food. Organic food is safer because organic produce is not grown by commercial growers who use pesticides and chemical fertilizers.

Organic agriculture conserves the environment and promotes biodiversity.

How can you tell if your produce is organic?

These labels will help you ensure that organic produce is purchased.

USDA Organic Certified - Produce certified by the USDA as being 100% organic.

Certified Naturally Grown - Produce that has passed strict requirements for organic practices but has not yet received certification from the USDA.

Pastured/Free Range – Produced from animals that live outdoors and graze on grasses or herbs.

These labels signify that the product meets a specific set of criteria.

• No pesticides or synthetic fertilizers
• No genetically modified organisms
• No antibiotics are ever given to the animal
• Animals never receive hormones
• No growth-promoting medications
• No feed additives
• No artificial ingredients
• No irradiation
• There's no sewage waste sludge
• GMOs are not allowed
• Antibiotics have never been administered
• No hormones ever given
• No growth-promoting medications
• No feed-additives
• No artificial ingredients
• No sewage solids (if it's not GMO).
• No irradiation

I hope you found this article helpful.

Is organic meat more nutritious?

You probably know the answer if you have been paying attention for a while. Here's the problem: Organic food is becoming more sought-after, while traditional food continues to decline in popularity.

The reason why organic foods continue to rise in popularity is that they are healthier for us. Organic foods are safer for our bodies and help to reduce pollution.

There are two sides to the coin. Organic produce takes longer to grow and requires more resources to do so. Organic food is generally more expensive than nonorganic.

Organic meats are generally more expensive than conventionally raised animals. But, you can reduce the cost of organic meats without compromising quality.

Locally grown produce is a great way to save money. Buy locally grown vegetables and fruits to help keep prices low. Farmers receive incentives to grow healthier crops.

Another way to cut costs is to look for deals. There are often discounts offered when purchasing organics.

Finally, another way to save money is by eating less meat. Feeding livestock can be very expensive.

There are many reasons that organic food is better than regular food for our bodies, and also for the planet. However, it is important to remember the price.

Statistics

• Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids were up to 50 percent higher in organic meats and milk than in conventionally raised products.[3] (en.wikipedia.org)
• When packaged products indicate they are “made with organic [specific ingredient or food group],” they contain at least 70% organically produced ingredients. (usda.gov)
• As for organic meat, regulations require that animals be raised in living conditions that accommodate their natural behaviours (like the ability to graze on pasture), fed 100% organic feed and forage, and not administered antibiotics or hormones. (usda.gov)
• Brands participating in this challenge are committed to using 100 percent sustainable cotton by 2025.[5] (en.wikipedia.org)

External Links

ecfr.gov

• eCFR -: Home

sciencedirect.com

• Organic food and its impact on human well-being: ScienceDirect assesses the status quo as well as future research prospects


• Technical note: Simultaneous Vitamin and Carotenoid Analysis of Milk from Total Mixed Ratio-Fed Cows - ScienceDirect

ams.usda.gov

• Home


• Organic Enforcement

usda.gov

• USDA

How To

What Organic Foods Are You Looking For?

Organic foods come from plants and animals without chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or additives. They can't be genetically modified or exposed to ionizing radiation. It must not contain any artificial colours, flavour enhancers, flavor enhancers, and preservatives. It should not include genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

When Justus von Liebig, a chemical chemist, coined "organic", which means "life-giving," to describe the properties in manure, the term "organic" was used for the first time. Most people associate organic with food production. Organic means the product has only natural substances like proteins, carbohydrates, and fats that are found in nature.

The consumption of organic foods has risen dramatically in the past decades. Recent statistics indicate that approximately half of the world’s population eats at least one organic food per day. This percentage continues to rise and is projected to increase by 70%, 80%, or 90% by 2020.

There are many reasons why consumers choose organic products. Some prefer the flavor, while others prefer them because they are healthier. Others also believe organic farming makes it more sustainable. However, there are also ethical concerns regarding the treatment of farm workers and animals, which is why some consumers opt for non-organic products.

Although organic foods tend to be more expensive than regular ones, prices can vary depending on where they are located. Organic food prices are affected by many factors. One factor is whether there are enough land available for organic farming. Another is the cost for inputs and labour required to grow organic crops. Transport costs, marketing costs and taxes are also important. For example, in Europe, the average price of organic food is 10% higher than the regular price.

These are the main differences in organic and conventional food.

• Organic produce is free from synthetic fertilizers, growth regulators, hormones, and antibiotics.
• Organic livestock is fed grasses or grains instead of corn and soybean meals.
• Organic milk comes only from cows who are fed hay and pasture grasses all-naturally.
• All raw materials used for organic manufacturing are certified organic.
• Organic fruits, vegetables and their processing stages are free from pesticides and harmful chemicals.
• Organic meat, poultry, and seafood do not undergo radiation.
• Before using raw nuts or seeds, they must be soaked.
• Organic cooking is made with only healthy oils.
• Organic eggs are laid naturally by hens.
• Bees use traditional methods to extract organic honey.
• Organic chocolate uses beans and sugar that have been organically farmed and processed.
• Organic wines do not contain any chemical additives.
• Organic tea leaves come from plants picked by hand.
• Organic cotton is grown with no pesticides or herbicides.
• Organic flours and cereals are free from artificial colours, preservatives, or flavors.
• All natural soaps and shampoos do not contain harsh chemicals.
• All-natural cosmetics have no side effects on the skin.
• All natural cleaning solutions are biodegradable and eco-friendly.
• All natural products for the body are hypoallergenic, dermatologically tested, and hypoallergenic.
• All-natural products for personal hygiene are safe to use with babies as they don't contain any fragrances.
• All-natural baby formula doesn't contain bovine serum or animal rennet.