Ingredients
Soup Base
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 small white or sweet onion, chopped (or 1/2 of a medium onion)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons prepared Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Vegetables
- 1 large carrot, scrubbed and shredded
- 3 cups raw broccoli florets, stems trimmed and florets cut to bite size
Main Ingredients
- 16 ounces potato gnocchi
- 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a mix of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt the butter in a 4-quart soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic along with a big pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Create Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the softened onions and garlic, stirring continuously to create a paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes to let the raw flour taste dissipate without browning the flour.
- Make Béchamel: Gradually whisk in the whole milk in 1/3 cup increments, making sure to fully incorporate before each addition. This forms a thick, smooth base without lumps.
- Add Broth & Flavorings: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce while whisking to combine. Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir frequently to avoid scorching due to dairy.
- Add Vegetables & Simmer: Stir in the shredded carrots and broccoli florets. Adjust heat to maintain an active simmer (not a rolling boil) and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cook Gnocchi: While the soup simmers, bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add the potato gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3 minutes until the gnocchi rise to the surface. Drain and set aside.
- Taste and Adjust: Spoon out one piece of broccoli with some broth to check tenderness and flavor. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Rest Soup: Reduce heat to low and let the soup rest for several minutes until bubbling stops to allow flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese: Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, one handful at a time, stirring constantly until fully melted and the soup is rich and creamy.
- Combine Gnocchi: Gently stir the cooked gnocchi into the soup. Taste once more and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if necessary before serving.
Notes
- Broccoli prep tip: Buying a 12-ounce bag of fresh broccoli florets is convenient; trim the stems and cut pieces into bite-sized or spoon-sized pieces for easier eating.
- Shred your own cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese to avoid anti-caking agents and to benefit from better melting and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American