Smoky Bacon Cheddar Broccoli Soup Food

THE BEST BROCCOLI-CHEDDAR SOUP

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrot and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until just tender, about 5 minutes. Whisk in the flour and cook until golden, 3 to 4 minutes, then gradually whisk in the half-and-half until smooth. Add the chicken broth, broccoli, bay leaves, nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon salt and few grinds of black pepper Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low and simmer, uncovered and stirring occasionally, until the broth has thickened and the broccoli is very tender, about 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, prick the potato all over with a fork and put on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high until tender, flipping halfway through, about 6 minutes. Let cool, then peel. Use a fork or potato masher to mash until crumbly.
• Reserve 2 cups of the soup in a liquid measuring cup and discard the bay leaves. Let the remaining hot soup cool for 5 minutes or so, then transfer it to a blender, filling no more than halfway. Add the mashed potato. Remove the center cap from the lid and place it on the blender. Cover the lid with a folded kitchen towel to catch splatters, and pulse until very smooth.
• Stir the pureed soup and reserved 2 cups of soup back into the pot. Whisk in the cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Ladle into serving bowls and top with more shredded Cheddar.

BROCCOLI AND BACON SOUP

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a large pan, then add the onion and sweat over a medium heat until soft, but not browned.
• Roughly chop half the bacon and add it to the pan along with the potato. Stir to coat everything then add the stock, boil and simmer for 10 minutes.
• Add the chopped broccoli stalk, but not the flower yet. Continue to cook for a further 5 minutes, until the potato is soft.
• Add the rest of the broccoli and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir through the milk and return to a simmer.
• Blend the soup until smooth and season to taste. To serve, grill the remainder of the bacon until crispy and crumble it on top.