Panera Bread Broccoli Cheese Soup

Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 55 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 2 cups chicken stock or 2 cups bouillon
• 1/2 lb fresh broccoli
• 1 cup carrot, julienned
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 8 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese

Recipe

• 1 saute onion in butter. set aside. cook melted butter and flour using a whisk over medium heat for 3-5 minutes. stir constantly and slowly add the half-and-half (this is called making a roux). add the chicken stock whisking all the time. simmer for 20 minutes.
• 2 add the broccoli, carrots and onions. cook over low heat until the veggies are tender for 20-25 minutes. add salt and pepper. the soup should be thickened by now. pour in batches into blender and puree. return to pot over low heat and add the grated cheese; stir until well blended. stir in the nutmeg and serve.