HEALTHY Frugal & Family Friendly Winter Soups

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
• 1 large Onion (diced)
• 2 bags (12 oz each) Frozen Broccoli Florets (steamed in microwave 5 min before adding)
• 4 cups Chicken Broth (low‑sodium preferred)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 1.5 cups Whole Milk (preferably 2% or whole for richness)
• 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese (freshly shredded)
• 1 tablespoon Cornstarch (for slurry; can substitute flour)
• 2 tablespoons Water (for slurry)

Instructions

1. Sauté Onion

   Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a large soup pot over medium‑high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.

   Time: PT3M

   Temperature: medium‑high

2. Prep Broccoli

   While the onion cooks, place the frozen broccoli florets in a microwave‑safe bowl, cover loosely, and microwave on high for 5 minutes to steam slightly.

   Time: PT5M

3. Combine Main Ingredients

   Add the steamed broccoli, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp black pepper, and 1.5 cups milk to the pot. Stir to combine.

   Time: PT2M

4. Bring to a Boil then Simmer

   Increase heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cook for 10‑15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender.

   Time: PT15M

   Temperature: low simmer

5. Chunk the Broccoli

   Using a spoon or immersion blender, roughly chop the broccoli pieces so they are bite‑size and the texture is uniform.

   Time: PT2M

6. Add Cheese

   Stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated.

   Time: PT3M

   Temperature: low

7. Thicken with Slurry

   In a small cup, mix 1 Tbsp cornstarch with 2 Tbsp cold water until smooth. Slowly whisk the slurry into the hot soup, cooking 2‑3 minutes until the soup thickens to your liking.

   Time: PT3M

   Temperature: low

8. Finish and Serve

   Turn off the heat. Transfer the soup to a crock‑pot set to “warm” if not serving immediately, or ladle into bowls. Garnish with extra shredded cheese if desired.

   Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

310

Protein

14 g

Carbohydrates

18 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

3 g