Make dreams come true with tasty broccoli soup

Broccoli cheddar soup

This soup is a dream come true — if, like me, you dream about things like soup. It has all the attributes that made a warm bowl of broccoli cheddar soup a comfort food classic in the first place: a rich, velvety texture; a belly-filling quality that oozes melted cheese; and a home-style, unfussy preparation with simple, everyday ingredients.

But instead of the alarming nutritional wake-up call that comes with the classic version, this recipe lets you dream on because it achieves those quintessential qualities in a healthful way.

The pivotal ingredient is a cup of cooked white beans. Neutral in flavor and color, the beans — when simmered and pureed with the broccoli and broth — give the soup a thick, creamy body.

They not only eliminate the need to add the traditional white flour and cream as thickeners but also impart a wealth of nutrients, including protein, fiber, essential minerals and antioxidants.

Another preparation strategy is in the way the cheese is used for maximum effect.

First, extra-sharp cheddar provides the biggest punch of flavor, so you don’t need as much for the taste to burst through.

Second, sprinkling some on top before serving makes for a delightfully melty first impression. It’s just the thing for these short winter days when you want to have your comfort food and eat it too. Prep: 40 minutes Cook: 25 minutes Makes: 4 servings (about 6 cups) tablespoons olive oil medium onion, diced large head broccoli, florets and tender part of stems, chopped (about 6 cups) cups no-salt-added chicken or vegetable broth cup canned, no-salt-added white beans, rinsed, drained cup low-fat (1 percent) milk cup shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese (3 ounces) teaspoon powdered mustard teaspoon salt, plus more as needed Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, stir in the onion; cook until tender but not browned, about 4 minutes. Add the broccoli, broth and beans. Heat to a boil over high head, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes. Let the soup cool for 15 minutes; puree in a blender in three batches, until smooth. Wipe out the saucepan as needed. Return the blended soup to the saucepan over medium heat. Once the soup is bubbling at the edges, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the milk, cup of the cheese, the powdered mustard and teaspoon salt. Cook until just warmed through. Taste and add more salt as needed. Serve garnished with remaining cheese.

290 calories, 16 g fat, 6 g saturated fat, 25 mg cholesterol, 26 g carbohydrates, 9 g sugar, 14 g protein, 520 mg sodium, 7 g fiber

GORAN KOSANOVIC/FOR THE WASHINGTON POST