Broccoli-Cheddar Soup

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   Place potato and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a large saucepan; cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes or until tender; drain.

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   While potatoes cook, melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Saute onion, carrot, and garlic 5 minutes or until tender. Add 4 cups broccoli, broth, 2 cups water, and 1/4 teaspoon salt; bring to a simmer, and cook 10 minutes or until broccoli is tender. Stir in potatoes.

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   Combine 1 cup broccoli and 2 tablespoons water in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with plastic wrap; vent. Microwave at HIGH 1 minute or until bright green. Drain.

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   Process mixture in Dutch oven with a hand-held immersion blender until smooth or place half of broccoli mixture in a blender. Remove center piece of blender lid (to allow steam to escape); secure blender lid on blender. Place a clean towel over opening in blender lid (to avoid splatters). Blend until smooth. Pour into a large bowl. Repeat procedure with remaining broccoli mixture. Return pured mixture to Dutch oven.

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   Add milk and cheese; cook over low heat 2 minutes, stirring until cheese melts and soup is smooth. Stir in steamed broccoli. Ladle soup into individual bowls.

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   MyRecipes is working with

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   , the Partnership for a Healthier America, and USDA's MyPlate to give anyone looking for healthier options access to a trove of recipes that will help them create healthy, tasty plates. For more information about creating a healthy plate, visit

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* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.