Low-Calorie

Active 40 min

Total 40 min

Smoked Gouda-Broccoli Soup

Smoked paprika and smoked Gouda give this soup a double hit of smoky flavor. Smoked paprika comes in both sweet and hot varieties—the sweeter one is more commonly available.

• 1½ pounds broccoli crowns (2 medium)
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 cup chopped sweet onion
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed and peeled
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ⅛ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups cubed rye bread (½-inch pieces)
• 1 cup shredded smoked Gouda cheese
• 2 teaspoons white-wine vinegar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground white pepper

1. Cut 1½ cups bite-size broccoli florets and set aside. Coarsely chop the remaining broccoli.

2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Add flour and paprika; stir to coat. Add broth and the chopped broccoli. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender, 8 to 10 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, make croutons: Toss bread with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until browned and crisp, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.

4. Puree the soup in a blender, in batches if necessary, or use an immersion blender. (Use caution when blending hot liquids.) Return the soup to the pan over low heat. Add cheese a little at a time, stirring constantly until it melts before adding more. Stir in the reserved broccoli florets. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they are bright green, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in vinegar, salt and white pepper. Serve hot, topped with the croutons.

Serves 4: 1½ cups soup & ¼ cup croutons each

Calories 316 | Fat 16g (sat 5g) | Cholesterol 24mg | Carbs 31g | Total sugars 6g  (added 0g) | Protein 17g | Fiber 7g | Sodium 723mg | Potassium 873mg.

Nutrition bonus: Vitamin C (259% daily value) | Folate (37% dv) | Calcium (27% dv) | Vitamin A (24% dv).

If you can’t find smoked Gouda, smoked Cheddar gives delicious results as well.