Description
This Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup is a creamy, comforting blend of tender broccoli and grated carrot in a smooth broth enriched with smoked gouda cheese. Perfectly seasoned with paprika, garlic, and onion, this soup offers a smoky depth and a velvety texture, ideal for a cozy meal any time of the year.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
Liquids & Seasonings
- 16 ounces vegetable or chicken broth
- 16 ounces whole milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Vegetables
- 1 large head of broccoli, chopped into small florets
- 1 large carrot, grated
Cheese
- 8 ounces (226 g) smoked gouda, freshly grated
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the diced onions and cook until they become translucent and begin to brown, about 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Create Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly to form a paste. Continue cooking the roux for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in the vegetable or chicken broth and whole milk, ensuring the mixture is smooth and lump-free. Add salt, paprika, and pepper, whisking to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Cook Vegetables: Stir in the chopped broccoli florets and grated carrot. Increase the heat slightly to bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the vegetables reach your preferred level of tenderness.
- Melt Cheese: Remove the soup from heat and slowly stir in the freshly grated smoked gouda. Continue stirring gently until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy and smooth.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and optionally top with croutons for added texture and flavor. Serve immediately for the best taste.
Notes
- Use fresh grated smoked gouda for better melting and flavor.
- Vegetable broth can be used to make the soup vegetarian.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially the salt and paprika.
- The soup thickens as it cools; reheat gently with a little milk to thin if necessary.
- For a smoother texture, blend the soup before adding the cheese.
