Broccoli, Jalapeño & Sharp Cheddar Soup

I had made this soup at work last week and loved it so much that I had to make it at home. It's a delicious soup with a punch of jalapeño heat at the end. It is definitely a great soup to have on a cold day. With the winter season here this is the go-to soup. 

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Broccoli, Jalapeño & Sharp Cheddar Soup  

Ingredients

• 1/2 onion, diced
• 4-5 jalapeno peppers, diced
• 1/4 stick butter
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1.5 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth (+ more as desired)
• 1 head of broccoli, chopped
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Sharp Cheddar cheese for serving

Cooking Directions

1. Heat a large pot to medium heat. add butter and melt.
2. Add onion and jalapeno peppers. Cook about 4 minutes to soften.
3. Add butter and stir to form a roux. Cook about 2 minutes to brown.
4. Add milk and heavy cream. Stir to mix well.
5. Add chicken broth and broccoli. Bring to a light boil, then reduce heat to low.
6. Cover and simmer about 20 minutes, or until everything is nice and tender.
7. Stir in cheese and allow to melt.
8. You can season with salt and pepper and serve it like, this, nice and chunky, or opt to blend it. I use a stick blender with mine and get it nice and creamy, then season.
9. Serve topped with grated sharp sharp cheddar cheese