Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 white onion, diced
- 1.5 cups chopped carrots
- 1.5 cups chopped celery
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cups (3/4″ thick) diced potatoes
- 1 (15 oz.) can corn, drained
Herbs & Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Liquids & Dairy
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1/3 cup flour
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Garnishes
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Oyster crackers
Instructions
- Heat Butter and Sauté Vegetables: In a large Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, chopped carrots, chopped celery, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until the onions become translucent and the vegetables soften.
- Add Garlic and Herbs: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic along with dried oregano, thyme, and sage. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to release the herbs’ fragrance without burning the garlic.
- Incorporate Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat everything evenly. Continue cooking for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to cook off the raw flour taste and form a roux that will thicken the soup.
- Deglaze the Pot: Pour a generous amount of vegetable broth into the pot, scraping the bottom with a spoon to lift the browned bits. This step adds rich flavor to the soup base.
- Add Remaining Vegetables and Broth: Stir in the diced potatoes, drained corn, chopped broccoli, and the remaining vegetable broth. Season with a couple of pinches of salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the Soup: Cover the pot and bring the soup to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese: Remove the soup from heat. Stir in the heavy cream, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and balsamic vinegar until the cheese melts completely, creating a creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley, extra shredded cheddar cheese, and oyster crackers for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, reduce the broth by half a cup or cook a few minutes longer uncovered to evaporate excess liquid.
- Feel free to substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free alternative.
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Use fresh herbs if available; reduce dried herbs by half if substituting.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian