Broccoli Cheese Soup

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• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup onion (finely diced, from 1 medium onion)
• 2 cups carrots (3 medium, sliced into thin rings)
• 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 4 cups broccoli (2 heads of broccoli, cut into small florets)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp thyme
• 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese (shredded on the large holes of a box grater, plus more to garnish)
• 2/3 cup parmesan cheese (mild shredded)

1. Prep all of your ingredients before you start cooking. In a Dutch oven or medium soup pot, melt 2 Tbsp butter. Add the onion and carrots and sauté until the onions soften (5 minutes).
2. Add 4 cups chicken broth, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp thyme. Bring to a boil, then add the broccoli and reduce to a simmer, partially cover, and cook until the broccoli is softened (10-12 minutes depending on the thickness of the broccoli).
3. Remove 2 cups of vegetables with a strainer and set aside. Blend remaining soup in the pot with an immersion blender or puree in batches in a blender. Blend until smooth or your desired consistency.
4. In a separate small bowl, combine 1/2 cup cream with 3 Tbsp flour and whisk vigorously until smooth and no longer lumpy then blend in 1 tsp dijon. The mixture will be thick like frosting. Bring the blended soup back to a boil, then whisk in the cream/flour mixture and whisk for 3 to 4 minutes, until smooth and thickened.
5. Remove the soup from the heat. Stir in the cheeses then stir in the reserved cooked vegetables. Season with salt to taste and serve right away. Garnish with more cheddar if desired.