Cream of Broccoli Soup

Ingredients:

4 cups broccoli florets
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream or milk
3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions:

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to make a roux.
Slowly whisk in broth, stirring to prevent lumps.
Add broccoli, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Simmer for 15 minutes until broccoli is tender.
Blend soup with an immersion blender or in batches using a regular blender until smooth.
Stir in heavy cream and heat through. If using, mix in shredded cheddar until melted.

Serve warm and enjoy!