Creamy Broccoli and Cheddar Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 1 grated carrot
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 1 small bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons wheat flour
• 1 to 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups hot chicken broth
• 2 cups whole milk, half & half, or whipping cream (optional)
• 3 to 4 cups broccoli, chopped
• 1 to 2 cups cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, melt 2 to 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Once the butter is hot, add the chopped vegetables (carrot, celery, bell pepper, and onion). Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and stir for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to let the flavors blend.
3. Sprinkle the wheat flour over the vegetables, stirring well to coat everything evenly.
4. Gradually add the milk (or half & half or cream) and the chicken broth. If you don’t have chicken broth, substitute with water and a tablespoon of Swiss Knorr or any broth you prefer.
5. While the mixture heats up, chop the broccoli into small pieces (about 3 to 4 cups worth). Once the liquid begins to simmer, add the chopped broccoli to the pot. Let everything cook, covered, for 15 to 20 minutes, until the broccoli is tender.
6. After the broccoli has softened, stir in the cheddar cheese (or your choice of cheese). Reduce the heat to low and let it melt and combine smoothly.
7. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
8. Serve the soup with crusty bread, a fresh salad, and grilled chicken for a complete meal. Enjoy!

Note: This recipe is highly flexible. If you’re missing an ingredient, feel free to substitute it with something else, or simply leave it out. Cooking should be fun and adaptable to your tastes!

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