Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in the jalapeños and garlic, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the broccoli florets and stems, then pour in the vegetable broth.
- Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until the broccoli is very tender.
- Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or a countertop blender in batches.
- Return the soup to low heat and stir in the milk and heavy cream.
- Gradually add the cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until melted and creamy.
- Season with smoked paprika, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper to taste. Simmer gently for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with extra cheddar, jalapeños, or broccoli if desired.
Notes
For a milder soup, reduce the amount of jalapeño. For extra heat, leave some seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
