Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Half

Serves 5 in about 40 minutes. The pot starts with carrot, then flour.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 large carrot, shredded (about 1 cup)
• 1 small potato (optional), peeled and diced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or ¾ tsp table salt)
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth, low sodium
• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon
• 1 ½ lbs broccoli florets, fresh or frozen (chopped, about 6-8 cups)
• ¼ cup flour
• ¼ cup butter
• 6 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 ½ cups)
• 4 oz monterey jack or medium cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
• 2 cups half and half

Method

1. Turn on the pot's Sauté setting. When hot, add the butter and olive oil. Then add the onion and cook for a few minutes.
2. Tip in the grated carrot and the potato (if using) and cook for a instant to soften.
3. Tip in the salt, pepper, nutmeg, and garlic powder. Simmer for a instant, stirring.
4. Stir in the broth and stir.
5. Tip in the broccoli, but don't stir. Put the lid on and lock it in place. Set the steam release knob to the Sealing position.
6. Cancel the Sauté function. Then press the Pressure Cook/Manual button or dial. Then the +/- to select 3 minutes (High Pressure).
7. When the cooking cycle is finished, let the pot sit undisturbed for 10 minutes (10 instant Natural Release). Then slowly at first, in bursts, Quick Release the remaining pressure by turning the steam release knob to the Venting Position. Turn off the pot.
8. When all of the pressure is released and the pin in the lid has dropped, open the lid.
9. Use a potato masher to mash up the veggies well. If you want a creamier consistency, use an immersion blender.
10. Stir the flour and butter together in a microwave safe dish and microwave for 15 seconds. Then mix very well until it is smooth.
11. Turn the Sauté setting back on and mix in the flour/butter mixture and stir until it starts to thicken.
12. Tip in the cheeses and stir in. Cancel the Sauté function and add in the half and half. Mix well.
13. Taste and adjust salt, if necessary.
14. Plate with some nice bread.

More instant pot ideas are in the instant pot collection.