30-Minute Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegan butter)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (like almond, oat, or soy milk)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
• 1 cup shredded vegan cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
• Chopped fresh chives or green onions, for garnish (optional)

---

Instructions:

1. Sauté Aromatics:
   • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
   • Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant.
2. Add Broccoli:
   • Add the broccoli florets and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Cook the Broccoli:
   • Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a simmer.
   • Let the broccoli cook for 8-10 minutes, until tender.
4. Make the Roux:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the plant-based milk and flour until smooth.
   • Slowly pour the milk mixture into the soup, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
5. Thicken the Soup:
   • Simmer for another 5-7 minutes, until the soup begins to thicken.
6. Add Vegan Cheese:
   • Lower the heat and stir in the vegan cheddar cheese, letting it melt into the soup.
   • Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg, if desired.
7. Blend (Optional):
   • For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup, or blend half the soup and return it to the pot.
8. Serve:
   • Serve in bowls and garnish with chopped chives or green onions, if desired.

---

Tips:

• You can use nutritional yeast (about 2-3 tablespoons) for a cheesy flavor if you don’t have vegan cheese.
• For extra creaminess, you can add a bit of cashew cream or coconut cream.

---

Enjoy your warm and comforting vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup!

Here’s the approximate nutrition information for the Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup (per serving, based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 230
• Fat: 13g
• Protein: 7g
• Total Carbohydrates: 22g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 4g
• Net Carbs: 18g

This estimate will vary slightly depending on the specific brands of plant-based milk and vegan cheese you use.