Description
Comforting high-protein broccoli cheddar soup delivers creamy goodness packed with nutrients and flavor. Rich ingredients combine in a quick, satisfying bowl that nourishes and delights you with every spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Vegetables:
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Protein and Dairy:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese (blended until smooth)
- 1 scoop unflavored protein powder
Liquid and Seasonings:
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or skim milk)
- 1 tablespoon butter (or olive oil)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Warm a spacious cooking vessel over medium-low temperature and melt butter, gently sautéing diced onions until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3 minutes. Introduce minced garlic and briefly toast for 45 seconds.
- Pour vegetable broth into the pot, elevating heat to trigger a gentle simmer. Introduce chopped broccoli florets and allow them to tenderize for 6 minutes, ensuring they remain vibrant and crisp.
- Incorporate almond milk and blended cottage cheese, creating a luxurious base. Utilize an immersion blender to transform the mixture, maintaining a rustic texture with occasional vegetable chunks.
- Reduce heat and gradually fold shredded cheddar cheese into the liquid. Complement with Dijon mustard, cracked black pepper, kosher salt, and smoky paprika, stirring until cheese melts smoothly.
- Dissolve unflavored protein powder in warm broth, then seamlessly integrate into the soup, enhancing nutritional profile and depth of flavor.
- Allow soup to gently simmer for an additional 2 minutes, periodically stirring to prevent scorching and ensure consistent temperature and texture.
- Transfer soup into serving bowls, garnishing with extra cheese shreds or a delicate sprinkle of smoked paprika for visual appeal and enhanced taste experience.
Notes
- Customize Protein Boost by whisking protein powder with warm broth to prevent clumping and ensure smooth integration into the soup.
- Maintain Texture Balance by partially blending the soup, keeping some broccoli chunks for a delightful mouthfeel and visual appeal.
- Select Low-Fat Cheese Options like reduced-fat cheddar to make the soup lighter without compromising rich flavor profile.
- Accommodate Dietary Needs by substituting dairy milk with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk for lactose-sensitive individuals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 188 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 470 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg