Broccoli Cheddar & Zucchini Soup
We had our first snowfall yesterday and I, as usual, was giddy as a schoolgirl! I love the first snow. There’s something super magical about it. This soup is perfect for the end of the Fall season when you need to use up that zucchini! Also, it tastes amazing. Like a warm hug in a bowl.
INGREDIENTS
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3 Tbsp butter
1 small yellow onion, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
2 medium zucchini, chopped
2 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves, plus more for serving
1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 tsp cayenne, or more to taste
kosher salt and pepper
3 cups low sodium veggie or chicken broth
4 cups broccoli florets
2 bay leaves
1 cup whole milk
2-3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
DIRECTIONS
For the Instant Pot:
Set Instant pot to sauté. Add the butter, olive oil, and onion, cook 5 minutes or until fragrant. Add the carrots, zucchini, thyme, nutmeg, cayenne and a large pinch each of salt and pepper. Pour in the broth. Add the broccoli and bay leaves. Cover, select the manual setting, and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
Once done cooking, use the quick release function and release the steam. Carefully remove the bay leaves and discard. Transfer the soup to a blender and pulse until chunky smooth (not totally puréed). Return to the instant pot.
Set the Instant pot to sauté. Stir in the milk and cheese, and cook 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted.Ladle the soup into bowls and top with fresh thyme. Enjoy!
For the Slow Cooker:
To the slow cooker, add the butter, olive oil, onion, carrots, zucchini, thyme, nutmeg, cayenne and large pinch each of salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Pour in the broth. Add the broccoli and bay leaves. Cover, cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 4-6 hours.
Once done cooking, carefully remove the bay leaves and discard. Transfer the soup to a blender and pulse until chunky smooth (not totally pureed). Return to the slow cooker and turn the heat to high.
Stir in the milk and cheese, and cook 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with fresh thyme. Enjoy!
For the Stove:
In a large soup pot, melt together the butter and olive oil. Add the onion, cook 5 minutes or until fragrant. Add the carrots, zucchini, thyme, nutmeg, cayenne and a large pinch each of salt and pepper, cook another 5 minutes. Pour in the broth. Add the broccoli and bay leaves. Cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes, until the broccoli is tender.
Carefully remove the bay leaves and discard. Transfer the soup to a blender and pulse until chunky smooth (not totally puréed). Return to the pot.
Stir in the milk and cheese, and cook over medium-low heat for 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted.Ladle the soup into bowls and top with fresh thyme.