Soups are always our form of comfort food. A hearty soup to end the day is one way of making our days end perfectly. Ask my husband and he will agree wholeheartedly. Busy weeks are inevitable most especially during peak seasons. And during those days, my husband rarely came home with a relaxed smile on his face. Usually, all he could offer was a tired smile, and that’s just because he wanted to give his family something nice.

During these weeks, the best way I can help him is to make sure he has something nice to eat when he comes home. Something not heavy because after eating, he usually falls asleep immediately. It’s not healthy to sleep with a full stomach.

I usually prepare the soup. He loves soup because it relaxes him and makes him feel warm all over. It’s also light on the stomach even if I prepare a rich soup.

This broccoli cheese soup recipe is perfect for that. He appreciates the smooth feel of the soup on his throat and the broccoli bits that somehow assure him that he is eating healthy. He usually has another bowl after the first one, but I make sure he eats just enough.

This is also a favorite of my sons. They love the cheesy taste. And that’s always what’s important to me.

Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup

INGREDIENTS :

• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1/2 medium chopped onion
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 cups half-and-half cream
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1/2 lb fresh broccoli
• 1 cup carrot, julienned
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 8 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese
• salt and pepper

HOW TO MAKE IT :

Sauté onion in butter. Set aside.
Cook melted butter and flour using a whisk over medium heat for 3-5 minutes. Stir constantly and add the half & half.
Add the chicken stock. Simmer for 20 minutes.
Add the broccoli, carrots, and onions. Cook over low heat 20-25 minutes.
dd salt and pepper. It can be puréed in a blender but I don’t. Return to heat and add cheese. Stir in nutmeg.