- Fresh vegetables (such as carrots, celery, onions, and bell peppers)
- Vegetable broth (organic or low-sodium for better health options)
- Heavy cream (for a rich, creamy texture)
- Cheddar cheese (grated for easy melting and serving)
- Cream cheese (optional, to enhance the creamy flavor)
- Sour cream (aids in thickening the soup)
- Fresh herbs (such as thyme or parsley) for garnish
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Garlic cloves (minced or crushed for added depth of flavor)
- Nutmeg (a sprinkle for a subtle warmth)
- Olive oil (for sautéing vegetables)
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Steps
### Chilled Cream of Vegetable Soup Cheese Recipe
#### Overview
This creamy, refreshing vegetable soup is perfect for hot summer days or any time you want a light yet satisfying meal. The addition of cheese gives it a rich, indulgent twist that balances well with the freshness of the vegetables.
#### Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup finely chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
#### Instructions
1. **Prepare the Vegetables**
- Wash and chop the spinach, carrots, celery, and onion. Finely chopping these vegetables ensures they blend smoothly into a creamy soup.
2. **Sauté the Vegetables**
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add the spinach and cook for another minute until it wilts.
3. **Add Broth and Beans**
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, add the cannellini beans, and simmer for about 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
4. **Blend the Soup**
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a regular blender and blend it before returning it to the pot.
- Ensure that all ingredients are well blended for a smooth texture.
5. **Add Cream and Cheese**
- Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese into the soup. Continue cooking over low heat while stirring until the cheese has melted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. **Chill the Soup**
- Allow the soup to cool down to room temperature before refrigerating it for at least 4 hours or overnight. This chilling process is crucial as it will thicken the cream and enhance the flavors, making it even more delicious when served chilled.
7. **Serve**
- Just before serving, give the soup a final stir and taste if needed.
- Pour into bowls or glasses and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an extra touch of freshness.
#### Tips
- To ensure the best texture, chill the soup thoroughly before serving to achieve a smooth, thick consistency.
- You can customize this recipe by adding other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms according to your preference.
This chilled cream of vegetable soup cheese is not only delicious but also easy to make. It’s perfect for any occasion and will surely become a favorite in your meal rotation. Enjoy your cooking!