CI'S BROCCOLI CHEESE SOUP

BROCCOLI-CHEESE SOUP

Serves 6 to 8. Published March 1, 2011. From Cook's Illustrated.

To make a vegetarian version of this soup, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth.

2	tablespoons unsalted butter
2	pounds broccoli , florets roughly chopped into 1-inch pieces, stems trimmed, peeled, and cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
1	medium onion , roughly chopped (about 1 cup)
2	medium garlic cloves , minced or pressed through garlic press (about 2 teaspoons)
1 1/2	teaspoons dry mustard powder
	pinch cayenne pepper
	Table salt
3–4	cups water
1/4	teaspoon baking soda
2	cups low-sodium chicken broth (see note)
2	ounces baby spinach (2 loosely packed cups)
3	ounces sharp cheddar cheese , shredded (3/4 cup)
1 1/2	ounces Parmesan cheese , grated fine (about 3/4 cup), plus extra for serving
	Ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. 1. Heat butter in large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. When foaming subsides, add broccoli, onion, garlic, dry mustard, cayenne, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 6 minutes. Add 1 cup water and baking soda. Bring to simmer, cover, and cook until broccoli is very soft, about 20 minutes, stirring once during cooking.

2. 2. Add broth and 2 cups water and increase heat to medium-high. When mixture begins to simmer, stir in spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 minute. Transfer half of soup to blender, add cheddar and Parmesan, and process until smooth, about 1 minute. Transfer soup to medium bowl and repeat with remaining soup. Return soup to Dutch oven, place over medium heat and bring to simmer. Adjust consistency of soup with up to 1 cup water. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve, passing extra Parmesan separately.

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