Copycat Panera Bread Co. Broccoli Cheese Soup

INGREDIENTS:

1 tablespoon butter, melted

1/2 medium onion, chopped

1/4 cup melted butter

1/4 cup flour

2 cups half-and-half

2 cups chicken stock or bouillon

1/2 pound fresh broccoli (i chopped it up in to little bitty pieces) 

1 cup carrots, julienned (I grated it)

salt and pepper, to taste

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

8 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese

PREPARATION:

Saute onion in butter. Set aside. Cook melted butter and flour using a whisk over medium heat for 3-5 minutes. Stir constantly and slowly add the half-and-half (this is called making a roux). 

Add the chicken stock whisking all the time. Simmer for 10 minutes. 

Add the broccoli, carrots and onions. Cook over low heat until the veggies are tender for 20-25 minutes. Add salt and pepper. The soup should be thickened by now. Pour in batches into blender and puree (I did NOT puree it!). Return to pot over low heat and add the grated cheese; stir until well blended. Stir in the nutmeg and serve.

Recipe from CDKitchen.com