Healthy Broccoli and Cheese Soup Recipe

Today is one of those chilly, rainy, Fall days!  It's the perfect day for a bowl of soup!  Click here to read the post on the great new Healthy Family Meals Cookbook.  Here is a recipe I just made from scratch for lunch and it was delicious!

Broccoli Cheese Soup

Ingredients:1 1/2 tsp olive oil
2 medium carrots, sliced thinly
2 med. ribs of celery, sliced thinly
9 ounces of broccoli florets chopped (3 cups)
2 med. green onions, thinly sliced
3 cups of fat free, low sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 cups of fat free half and half
1/4 cup flour
1/8 tsp pepper
1/2 cup shredded low fat cheddar cheese
2 tbsp shredded or grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1.  In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat, swirling to coat the bottom.  Cook the carrots and celery for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Stir in the broccoli and green onions.  Cook for 3-4 minutes or until veggies are tender-crisp.  Stir in broth. Bring to a simmer.

3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whist together the half and half, flour, and pepper.  Stir into the soup once it has reached a simmer.  Simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until thickened, stirring occasionally.

4. Add Cheddar and Parmesan.  Remove from the heat.  Stir until the cheeses are melted!

We had it for lunch (the kids loved it!) and you can also have this as a dinner meal!