Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup

Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of margarine or butter
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1 stalk of celery, chopped
• 1 small bell pepper, minced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons of organic wheat flour
• 1-2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 cups of simmering chicken broth
• 2 cups of half-and-half, whole milk, or heavy cream (optional)
• 3-4 cups of broccoli, chopped
• 1-2 cups of cheddar cheese, shredded
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Begin by heating 2 or 3 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Once the butter is melted and heated, add the chopped vegetables: carrot, celery, bell pepper, and onion. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, or until they soften.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet, stirring it into the vegetables. Allow the garlic to cook for 1-2 minutes, ensuring it becomes fragrant without burning.
4. Sprinkle the wheat flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir until they are evenly coated.
5. Slowly incorporate the simmering chicken broth and chilled milk (or half-and-half) into the skillet, stirring continuously to create a smooth mixture. (Note: If chicken broth is unavailable, you can dissolve a tablespoon of Swiss Knorr in 2 cups of boiling water as a substitute.)
6. Once the liquid is well combined, shred 3-4 cups of broccoli and add it to the skillet.
7. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
8. When the broccoli is tender, add the shredded cheddar cheese. Reduce the heat to low and stir until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
9. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, allowing the flavors to meld.
10. Serve the soup hot, ideally with a slice of toasted bread or alongside a salad and grilled chicken for a complete meal.

Note:

The ingredients and quantities in this recipe are flexible. Feel free to adjust or substitute based on your preferences or what you have available in your kitchen. Whether it’s swapping vegetables or tweaking the seasoning, this soup is versatile and forgiving.