Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Low-Fat Version)
Craving the delicious, creamy broccoli cheddar soup from your favorite sandwich shop but want to keep it healthy? This revamped version of the Subway classic offers that same mouthwatering flavor while keeping the fat and calories in check. With a base of freshly sautéed vegetables, a rich and velvety texture created by the right combination of low-fat ingredients, and sharp cheddar providing tanginess, this soup is both comforting and satisfying. The use of homemade grated cheese enhances the creaminess of the soup, making it a smooth and delightful experience. Perfect for a warm lunch or dinner, this recipe serves 4 hearty portions.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Smart Balance light butter spread
2 tablespoons (Melted)
Onion
1 medium (Diced)
Celery
2 stalks (Chopped)
Carrots
2 (Sliced)
All-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (Sprinkled over sautéed vegetables)
Reduced-sodium fat-free chicken broth
3 cups (Liquid)
1% low-fat milk
1 cup (Liquid)
Frozen broccoli
1 (10 ounce) bag (Steamed according to package directions)
Reduced-fat cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups (Shredded)
Instructions
1
Melt the Smart Balance light butter spread in a large pot over medium heat.
2
Add diced onions, chopped celery, and sliced carrots into the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the softened vegetables and stir continuously to form a roux. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
4
Gradually pour in the reduced-sodium fat-free chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps from forming. Continue stirring until the mixture is well combined and thickened.
5
If using steam-fresh broccoli, microwave according to package directions, then add the broccoli to the pot. Stir to combine.
6
Allow the soup to simmer for approximately 15 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
7
Lower the heat and slowly stir in the 1% low-fat milk. Make sure the soup is not boiling to prevent curdling.
8
Gradually add the shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted and incorporated into the soup.
9
Let the soup simmer gently for an additional 30 minutes, allowing it to thicken and flavors to deepen. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Low-Fat Version)?
It is a revamped, healthier version of the classic broccoli cheddar soup found at sandwich shops like Subway, designed to be lower in fat and calories.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe serves 4 hearty portions.
What is used as the base for sautéing the vegetables?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of melted Smart Balance light butter spread.
Which vegetables are included in the soup base?
The base consists of one medium diced onion, two chopped celery stalks, and two sliced carrots.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the onion, celery, and carrots for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender.
How do I thicken the soup without high-fat cream?
A roux is created by sprinkling 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables and cooking for 5 minutes.
What type of broth is recommended for this low-fat version?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of reduced-sodium fat-free chicken broth.
How do I prevent lumps when adding the broth?
Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to ensure a smooth mixture.
Can I use frozen broccoli for this soup?
Yes, the recipe specifically suggests using one 10-ounce bag of frozen steam-fresh broccoli.
How should the broccoli be prepared before adding it to the pot?
Microwave the steam-fresh broccoli according to the package directions before stirring it into the soup pot.
How long does the soup simmer after adding the broccoli?
Allow the soup to simmer for approximately 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
What type of milk is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 cup of 1% low-fat milk.
How do I avoid curdling the milk?
Lower the heat and ensure the soup is not boiling before slowly stirring in the milk.
What kind of cheese is best for this soup?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese.
Is it better to use pre-shredded or homemade grated cheese?
The recipe notes that homemade grated cheese enhances the creaminess and smoothness of the soup.
How long is the final simmering stage?
After adding the cheese, let the soup simmer gently for an additional 30 minutes.
What is the purpose of the final 30-minute simmer?
This final stage allows the soup to thicken further and the flavors to deepen.
Is this soup considered a copycat recipe?
Yes, it is a copycat of the Subway broccoli cheddar soup but with significantly less fat.
How many stalks of celery are needed?
You will need 2 stalks of chopped celery.
How many carrots are required?
The recipe requires 2 sliced carrots.
What is the texture of the finished soup?
The soup has a rich, velvety, and creamy texture despite being low-fat.
Can I use regular butter instead of Smart Balance?
You can, but using Smart Balance light butter spread helps maintain the low-fat profile of the recipe.
What amount of flour is used?
Two tablespoons of all-purpose flour are used to help thicken the soup.
Is the chicken broth low in salt?
Yes, the recipe specifies reduced-sodium broth to keep it healthier.
How much milk should be added?
One cup of 1% low-fat milk is added toward the end of the cooking process.
Can I serve this soup for dinner?
Absolutely, it is perfect for a warm lunch or a satisfying dinner.
How much broccoli is needed?
One 10-ounce bag of broccoli is the standard amount for this recipe.
Does this recipe include onions?
Yes, it includes one medium diced onion.
Is the cheese added all at once?
The shredded cheese should be added gradually while stirring until fully melted.
What should the temperature be when adding the cheese?
The heat should be lowered to ensure the cheese melts smoothly into the soup without separating.