broccoli cheddar soup

Ingredients For broccoli cheddar soup

• 2 c

  fresh broccoli, cut into small florets
• 2 1/2 c

  low-sodium vegetable stock (substitute low-sodium chicken broth)
• 3 Tbsp

  butter
• 1/2 lg

  white onion (about 1 1/2 cups), chopped
• 1 lg

  stalk celery, finely chopped
• 1 c

  carrots, finely chopped
• 1 lg

  clove garlic, pressed
• 1/4 c

  unbleached all-purpose flour
• 2 c

  cold half-and-half
• 2 1/2 c

  grated sharp cheddar cheese
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste (i always use mixed peppercorns)
• 1/4 tsp

  cayenne pepper, or to taste
• 1/4 c

  milk, if necessary