Smoked Gouda-Broccoli Soup

1½ pounds broccoli crowns (2 medium)

2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1 small onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, smashed and peeled

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

⅛ teaspoon smoked paprika

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup shredded smoked Gouda cheese

Salt & pepper to taste

Coarsely chop the broccoli into small pieces. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Add flour and paprika; stir to coat. Add broth and the chopped broccoli. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender, 8 to 10 minutes.  Using a potato masher with small holes, mash the mixture.  Add cheese a little at a time, stirring constantly until it melts before adding more. Add salt and white pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with the croutons.

Serves 4

(I did add croutons that I made earlier.  They equaled 1 slice of bread still keeping me within my calories/carbs/protein limits)

Nutrition Facts
Servings 4.0
Amount Per Serving
calories 285
Total Fat 18 g	27 %
Saturated Fat 9 g	43 %
Monounsaturated Fat 5 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1 g
Trans Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 23 mg	8 %
Sodium 1624 mg	68 %
Potassium 6 mg	0 %
Total Carbohydrate 16 g	5 %
Dietary Fiber 7 g	27 %
Sugars 2 g
Protein 18 g	36 %
Vitamin A	115 %
Vitamin C	379 %