Broccoli Cheese Soup (with bacon!)

If you are looking for creative ways to serve up vegetables, then this Broccoli Cheese Soup is your answer! You can have this delicious warm-weather meal ready in about 30 minutes. Don't forget to top it with some crispy bacon to maximize the flavor!

Ingreadient

• 3 slices bacon (cut into 1-inch pieces (locally sourced recommended))
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¼ cup onion (diced)
• 3 tablespoons whole-wheat flour
• 1 ¼ pounds broccoli (cut into 2-inch pieces)
• 4 cups chicken broth (homemade recommended)
• 1 cup milk
• ½ teaspoon salt
• pepper (to taste)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (freshly shredded)
• bacon (cooked, optional garnish)

Step by step

1. In a large soup pot over medium heat, cook the bacon pieces until brown and crisp, about 3 to 4 minutes.
2. Add the olive oil and diced onion and allow it to cook and soften for another minute.
3. Turn to medium-low, whisk in the flour, and cook while stirring for 1 to 2 minutes being careful not to let the flour burn.
4. Add the broccoli pieces, broth, milk, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil and then simmer on medium-low for 10 minutes.
5. Blend until smooth with a hand immersion blender (or by transferring to a countertop blender in batches).
6. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese and serve warm. (You can freeze any leftovers.)