This broccoli and cheddar soup recipe, compliments of La Motte, combines tender vegetables and sharp cheese for a creamy, comforting bowl that’s easy to make at home. Enjoy with La Motte’s 2022 Millennium.

Recipe serves: 4 | Preparation: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 40 g salted butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf, optional
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 500 ml milk, skim or full cream
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 medium head broccoli, about 400 g
• 625 ml vegetable or chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon chicken or vegetable bouillon powder, or one stock cube
• 160 g mature Cheddar cheese, grated
• Chopped parsley, optional
• Salt and black pepper

Method

1. Heat the butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots and bay leaf and sauté for about 4 minutes until softened.
2. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Stir in the flour and cook for about a minute, stirring constantly, to form a paste.
4. Gradually add the milk in stages, stirring well after each addition until smooth. Stir in the Dijon mustard.
5. Add the broccoli florets and chopped stems, then pour in the stock and bouillon powder. Stir to combine.
6. Cover and simmer over low heat for about 20 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
7. Use a stick blender to blend about half the soup, leaving the rest chunky.
8. Stir in the grated Cheddar and cook for another minute or two until melted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
9. Serve warm, topped with chopped parsley if using.