Best Broccoli Soup

Looking for an easy way to get more greens into your diet?  Here is my suggestion, a truly tasty broccoli soup!  Feel free to top with shredded cheddar cheese if desired. Enjoy! Check out my recipe page for more soup recipes and ways to add more vegetables into your diet!

Broccoli Soup:

• Serves: 4
• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Cook time:  20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans chicken broth
• 4 cups broccoli
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 garlic clove, chopped
• 2 cups milk
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, chopped (optional but encouraged!)
• pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup hard cheddar cheese, grated

Directions:

1. Melt butter in pan.  Add onion, garlic and celery.  Cook until tender
2. Add broccoli, ginger (optional) and broth, cover and simmer for 10 minutes
3. Puree soup with a hand mixer then return to heat
4. In a separate small saucepan, melt 3 Tbsp butter then gradually stir in flour. Whisk in milk and heat until thickened.  Add flour/milk mixture to soup
5. Heat soup through (about 15 minutes)
6. Add salt and pepper to taste
7. Add cheese and stir until melted.