Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup

Who likes Panera Bread Broccoli Cheese Soup? Well, I love it and here is a copycat recipe that allows us to make it at home and IC friendly too. From damndelicius.net.

Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup

Ingredients:

1/4 cup unsalted butter, cubed
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, diced (if tolerated)
2 stalks celery, diced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups vegetable broth (without problem ingredients)
2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
16 ounces broccoli florets
1 carrot, julienned
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (if tolerated or use mild cheddar)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste (if tolerated)


Directions:

1. Melt butter in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add garlic, onion and celery, and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

2. Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in vegetable broth, milk and heavy cream, and cook, whisking constantly, until incorporated, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in broccoli and carrot.

3. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until broccoli is tender, about 6-8 minutes. Puree with an immersion blender until desired consistency is reached.

4. Stir in cheese, a handful at a time, until smooth, about 1-2 minutes; season with salt and pepper, to taste.

5. Serve immediately.