04 May 2025
Cook time 30 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
1.50 cups chicken gravy
1 cup water
2 tsp garlic
2 onions
4 cups broccoli
2 cups spinach
1.50 cups white beans
1/2 cup cheddar cheese
1/4 tsp salt
1 dash black pepper
Broccoli and Cheese Soup with White Beans is a hearty and nutritious dish perfect for those who crave a warm and comforting meal. This soup combines the delicious flavors of cheddar cheese and garlic with the wholesome goodness of broccoli, spinach, and white beans. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that is perfect for both lunch and dinner.
Instructions:
1. Prepare Ingredients:
- Mince the garlic.
- Chop the onions.
- Cut the broccoli into florets.
- Rinse the spinach leaves and drain the white beans.
- Shred the cheddar cheese.
2. Cook the Onions and Garlic:
- In a large pot, sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic over medium heat until the onions are translucent and fragrant (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Add Broccoli and Liquid:
- Add the broccoli florets to the pot.
- Pour in the chicken gravy and water. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and let it cook until the broccoli is tender (about 10-15 minutes).
4. Add Spinach and Beans:
- Once the broccoli is tender, add the spinach leaves and white beans to the pot. Stir well.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and the beans to heat through.
5. Blend for Creamy Texture:
- Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. You can blend until smooth or leave some chunks for texture.
- If you don't have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and puree until smooth. Be cautious with the hot liquid to avoid spills and burns.
6. Add Cheese and Seasonings:
- Return the blended soup to the pot (if used a regular blender).
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and integrates into the soup.
- Season with salt and a dash of black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
7. Serve:
- Ladle the hot broccoli and cheese soup into bowls.
- You can garnish with a little extra shredded cheddar cheese or a sprinkle of black pepper if desired.
8. Enjoy:
- Serve the soup hot, accompanied by crusty bread or a simple salad if you like.
Tips:
- To make the soup creamier, you can blend half of it using an immersion blender before adding the cheese.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken gravy.
- Sauté the onions and garlic in a bit of olive oil before adding them to the soup to enhance their flavors.
- Add the spinach towards the end of cooking to retain its vibrant color and nutrients.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more water or broth if the soup is too thick.
This Broccoli and Cheese Soup with White Beans is a delightful and filling meal that brings together the rich flavors of cheddar cheese and the health benefits of broccoli, spinach, and white beans. Garnish with a sprinkle of black pepper and serve with a slice of crusty bread for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy your homemade, nutritious soup!