Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Slow Cooker

Components:

1. Four big potatoes, chopped and skinned
2. Two cups of frozen or fresh broccoli florets
3. One little onion, diced
4. Three minced garlic cloves
5. Four cups of vegetable or chicken stock
6. One cup of heavy cream or whole milk
7. Two cups of mild or sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
8. One teaspoon of salt, adjusted to taste
9. Half a teaspoon black pepper
10. Half a teaspoon of paprika (optional; adds flavor)
11. Half a teaspoon of optional dried rosemary or thyme
12. Two tablespoons of butter
13. Two tablespoons of optional thickening flour

Directions:

Get the ingredients ready:
Cut the potatoes into little cubes after peeling them.
Prepare the broccoli florets and chop the garlic and onion.

Add to the Slow Cooker: Fill the slow cooker with the chopped onion, garlic, broth, broccoli, and cubed potatoes.

Cook: Until the potatoes are soft and the flavors have combined, place the slow cooker on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

puree (Optional): If you like your soup creamier, you can puree some or all of it in an immersion blender until the appropriate consistency is achieved. Ignore this step if you want it chunkier.

To make it creamy, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. To produce a roux, stir in the flour and simmer for one to two minutes (optional for added thickness).
Add the milk (or cream) slowly and whisk until smooth, then heat until slightly thickened. Stir thoroughly after adding this mixture to the slow cooker.

Add the Cheese: Stir the shredded cheddar cheese into the soup until it melts completely. Add herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper for seasoning.

Serve: Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread on the side and extra cheese on top if you’d like once the cheese has melted and the soup is creamy.

Advice:

Use the optional roux with flour and butter to make a richer soup.
To make it healthy, substitute half-and-half or a reduced-fat milk for the cream.
If fresh broccoli isn’t available, you can use frozen broccoli.
Add-ins: Add some crunchy croutons, grated Parmesan cheese, or crumbled bacon for more taste.

Savor the comforting and rich potato broccoli cheddar soup!