How to Make a Healthier Verison of Panera's Broccoli Cheese Soup

We were excited to receive a large quantity of broccoli in our CSA box last week. However, after having broccoli as a side dish for a couple of nights, we were looking for other options. I asked the mister to find a healthier version of my favorite broccoli cheese soup - you know the one from Panera. Guess what? He came up with one that turned out super yummy (just ask Eben - he ate most of it!) Read on the full directions.

What you will need:

• 1 tablespoon melted Earth Balance (vegan butter) or organic butter
• 1/2 pound organic fresh broccoli (chopped)
• 1/2 organic onion (chopped)
• 2 cups vegetable stock
• 2 cups organic fat-free half-and-half or 2% milk
• 1 cup organic carrot (sliced, halved)
• 1/4 cup melted Earth Balance (vegan butter) or organic butter
• 1/4 cup organic whole-wheat flour
• 1/4 teaspoon organic nutmeg
• 8 ounces organic sharp cheddar cheese 
• salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Saute the 1/2 organic onion in the 1 tablespoon of melted Earth Balance.
2. Over medium heat whisk the 1/4 cup melted Earth Balance with the whole-wheat flour for 3 minutes. 
3. While stirring add, the organic fat-free half-and-half or 2% organic milk.
4. Add the vegetable stock and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
5. Add the organic broccoli, onion/butter mixture, and carrots. Then, cook over low-heat for about 20 minutes.
6. Add the organic cheese, and if you would like use a hand blender to blend to your preferred consistency. Stir in the salt, pepper and nutmeg.

Enjoy!