⭐ High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Creamy • Comforting • ~20g Protein Per Serving
Mediterranean-style & nutrient-dense!

🥦 Ingredients (4 servings)

Base & Veggies

1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
1 medium carrot, grated
1 celery stalk, diced

Protein Boost

2 cups low-fat milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese (blends into a silky, high-protein base)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Optional: ½ cup unflavored whey protein (stirred in at the end off-heat)
Optional: 1 cooked chicken breast, shredded (extra ~15g protein per serving)

Seasoning

½ tsp paprika
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt (adjust)
¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)
¼ tsp dried thyme
2 tbsp nutritional yeast (extra savory flavor + protein)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
Add onion, garlic, celery, and carrots.
Sauté 4–5 minutes until fragrant and softened.

2. Add Broccoli & Liquids

Add broccoli florets, milk, and broth.
Bring to a gentle simmer (don’t boil hard or the milk may split).
Cook 10–12 minutes until broccoli is tender.

3. Blend for Creaminess

Transfer half the soup to a blender.
Add cottage cheese and blend until smooth and creamy.
Pour back into the pot — this creates your protein-rich creamy base.

4. Add Cheese & Seasonings

Turn heat to low.
Stir in shredded cheddar and nutritional yeast until melted.
Add paprika, thyme, salt, pepper.

5. Add Optional Protein Enhancers

If using whey protein:

Remove the pot from heat.
Whisk in whey protein slowly to avoid clumping.

If adding shredded chicken, add it in now and warm through.

6. Adjust Thickness

If too thick → add a splash more broth.
If too thin → simmer 3–5 minutes to reduce.

🍲 Nutrition (Approx. per serving, without chicken)

Calories: ~280
Protein: 20–24g (higher if whey or chicken added)
Carbs: ~15g
Fat: ~10g
Fiber: ~3g

🌿 Mediterranean Tips

Replace half the cheddar with feta for a tangy Mediterranean twist.
Add a handful of spinach during the last 2 minutes for extra nutrients.
Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil before serving for richness.