Creamy, cheesy and smooth, broccoli and cheddar soup makes a tasty start to a meal. While this classic soup has some real nutritional benefits, it also has serious drawbacks.
How It's Made
Traditional broccoli and cheddar soup is made by first sauteeing onions and garlic in butter, then whisking flour into the mixture until it forms a paste. Chicken stock, cream, broccoli and and generous amounts of cheddar cheese are slowly added to the paste and then simmered.
Calories
Soup made with 5 tbsp. of butter, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 3 cups of chicken stock, 2 cups of broccoli and 1 1/2 cups of cheddar yields four servings. Each serving contains 506 calories, 17 g of protein, four g of carbohydrates and 44 g of fat, including 27 g of saturated fat.
Additional Nutrients
Cheddar is high in calcium, phosphorous, vitamin A and vitamin D, but, like butter and cream it contains high amounts of sodium and saturated fat. Broccoli contains high amounts of fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium and folates.
Healthful Options
To lower saturated fat and/or calories use 2 percent milk instead of cream and use a mixture of butter and vegetable oil. Add additional veggies such as cauliflower or zucchini for added nutrients.
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