====== Broccoli Cheese Soup ======
  *2 Tbsp unsalted butter
  *2 lbs broccoli - florets chopped 1" pieces, stems trimmed, peeled, cut into 1/4" slices
  *1 medium onion - rough chop
  *2 med garlic cloves - chopped (2 tsp)
  *1 1/2 tsp dry mustard
  *pinch cayenne pepper
  *3-4 cups water
  *1/4 tsp baking soda
  *2 cups vegetable or low sodium chicken broth 
  *2 oz. baby spinach
  *3 oz. sharp cheddar cheese - shredded
  *1 1/2 oz. Parmesan cheese - grated fine + extra for serving garnish
  *ground black pepper
\\
  - Heat butter in large soup pot. When foaming subsides, add broccoli, onion, garlic, mustard, cayenne and 1 tsp salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant about 6 min.
  - Add 1 cup water and baking soda. Bring to simmer, cover, and cook until broccoli is very soft, about 20 min., stirring once during cooking.
  - Add broth and 2 cups water and increase heat to bring to simmer. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 min.
  - Transfer half of soup to blender, add cheddar and Parmesan, and blend until smooth, about 1 min. Repeat with remaining soup. return to pot and bring to simmer. Adjust consistency with additional water if required. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  - Serve, passing extra Parmesan.

\\
\\ 
  Serves: 6-8      Total cook time: 30min 
  Source: Cook's Illustrated
\\ 
\\ 
{{tag>food soup vegetarian}}