Jefferson County Recipe of the Day: Broccoli Beer Cheese Soup

This comfort soup is delicious with or without the beer!

Broccoli Beer Cheese Soup

Ingredients

5 celery ribs, finely chopped
3 medium carrots, finely chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 tablespoons butter
4 – 14-1/2 oz. cans chicken broth
4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
1/4 cup chopped sweet red pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup water
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 – 8 oz. pkg cream cheese, cubed
1 – 12 oz. bottle beer (or non-alcoholic beer)

Directions

~In a Dutch oven, saute the celery, carrots, and onion in butter until almost tender. Add the broth, broccoli, red pepper, salt, and pepper.

~Combine flour and water until smooth. Stir into pan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat.

~Simmer, uncovered, for 30-40 minutes (or until thickened and vegetables are tender).

~Stir in the cheeses and beer. Cook until heated through and cheese is melted, stirring occasionally (do not boil).