Name: Creamy High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: US
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 1 large carrot, chopped; 1 stalk celery, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (15.5 ounce) can navy beans, drained and rinsed; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 1/2 pounds broccoli, chopped into florets; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese (small or large curd); 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Indulge in a comforting and nutritious twist on classic comfort food with this high-protein broccoli cheddar soup. This recipe cleverly uses beans and cottage cheese to achieve a luscious, creamy texture while boosting the protein content, making it a satisfying and wholesome meal.

Follow The Directions

01

Step

In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for approximately 8 minutes, or until the vegetables soften slightly.

02

Step

Add the minced garlic and continue to cook for another 2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

03

Step

Stir in the drained navy beans, chicken broth, chopped broccoli, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.

04

Step

Remove the pot from the heat. Carefully ladle approximately 1 1/2 cups of the soup into a blender. Allow the soup to cool slightly for about 10 minutes before blending. This cooling step is crucial when blending cottage cheese to prevent splattering and ensure a smoother texture.

05

Step

Add the cottage cheese to the blender with the soup. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Ensure there are no lumps.

06

Step

Pour the blended mixture back into the stockpot. Return the pot to low heat. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is thick and creamy.

07

Step

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with extra cheddar cheese or a swirl of cream, if desired.

For a richer flavor, consider using bone broth instead of regular chicken broth.
Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your personal preference.
If you prefer a completely smooth soup, blend the entire batch instead of just a portion. Be sure to cool the soup sufficiently before blending in batches to avoid pressure buildup.
For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.