Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This is a comfort food that is very much enjoyed by our family on cold days.  I hope you enjoy it also.

Yields 4 servings

Ingredients:
2 cups low sodium chicken broth
3 cups chopped broccoli (peeled stems included)
1⁄2 cup chopped celery
2 tablespoons coconut spread
4 tablespoons whole wheat flour
sea salt, to taste
freshly ground black pepper to taste
4 cups unsweetened almond milk
1⁄2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan, bring broth, broccoli (about 1 med. head will yield 3 cups chopped broccoli) and celery to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until broccoli is tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Stir occasionally.
4. Meanwhile, melt coconut spread in a large saucepan over medium heat and stir in flour, salt and pepper; cook for 1 minute.
5. With a whisk or wooden spoon, add milk gradually, beating constantly to prevent lumping.
6. (It will thicken like paste at first; keep beating in milk to thin it.) Bring to a boil.
7. If you want a smooth soup, puree broccoli in blender.
8. Now add broccoli mixture (smooth or chunky) into large saucepan with the milk.
9. Remove from heat and stir in cheese.
10. Serve immediately.

Container Equivalent: 1 Green, 1 Blue 
Photo by: dianegrapegrower