Meatless

Broccoli Beer Cheese Soup

Source: Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 5 celery ribs, finely chopped
  • 3 medium carrots, finely chopped
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 Tbls. butter
  • 1/2 c. unbleached all-purpose white flour
  • 1/2 c. warm water
  • 4 cans (14-1/2 oz.) chicken broth
  • 4 c. fresh broccoli florets, chopped
  • 1/4 c. chopped sweet red pepper
  • 1 t. salt and 1/2 t. pepper
  • 1/8 t. cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 3 c. shredded cheddar cheese (we use low-fat)
  • 8 oz. pkg. low-fat cream cheese
  • 12 oz. beer or nonalcoholic beer
  • center cut bacon, cooked crisp & crumbled

Instructions

In a large soup kettle, sauté the celery, carrots and onion in butter until almost tender; add the broth, broccoli, red pepper, salt, pepper and cayenne pepper if desired.

Combine flour and water until smooth; stir into pan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes or until thickened and vegetables are tender.

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

Serve with crumbled bacon.