Soup is Good Food - Broccoli Cheese

I used to HATE soup. Probably because it reminded me of being sick. And there are a lot of days when I don't feel well due to something related to my chronic illnesses. So the fact that I've been eating soup by the gallon for the past few months is quite strange for me. But my best friend came up with a very healthy, VERY tasty recipe for broccoli cheese soup. It's easy to make, easy on my ulcer-ridden stomach (thanks to my cataplexy medication Nortriptyline, the drug that's also the proud sponsor of my cardiac condition and 70lbs of weight gain I'm still trying to lose the rest of), and it's better than any I've ever tasted.

Since I happen to be down with my semi-annual cold right now, I made a big batch and have been eating it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I thought you might enjoy the recipe. I'm sure my BFF won't mind that I've adapted it slightly for my taste.

Adapted from Hannah's Broccoli Cheese Soup
Half a stick of organic, unsalted butter
2 cups organic heavy whipping cream
3 cups homemade chicken stock
1 lb. broccoli florets, steamed and cut into small pieces
2 T. Arrowroot powder + 1 T. cold water
Chopped stalk of green onion
Fresh minced garlic, to taste
Sea salt, to taste
Cayenne pepper, to taste
8 ounces yogurt cheese, shredded
8 ounces organic cream cheese, softened at room temperature

Set cream cheese out to soften
Steam broccoli
Melt butter in soup pot
Add cream, allow to warm slowly on low heat
Mix arrowroot and water in a small bowl and slowly add in, whisking gently and allowing to sit until "white sauce" thickens
Add chicken stock
Bring to boil
Add broccoli, chopped onion, and spices
Stir in shredded cheese
Cut cream cheese into small sections and mix in with whisk

You may want to use an immersion blender to mix in the cream cheese, although I don't mind the tiny little lumps. You may also add shredded steamed carrots, along with the broccoli. You can omit the cayenne too, but I like a gentle kick to the soup. Plus cayenne is very good for the stomach, as well as for sore throats!

It makes 5-6 generous servings. I like to store it in Mason jars in the fridge, since I don't want chemicals from plastic ware seeping into my healthy ingredients. It's so gentle on my stomach and very soothing to my cough and sore throat. It takes about 30 minutes to make, and it's very easy to double the recipe for more servings.

Try it and tell me if it's not the BEST soup you've ever tasted! Bon appetit!

Note: This recipe is Know the Cause Phase One Diet-friendly

This post is featured today on the Easy Natural Food blog for Sunday Night Soup Night.