Cheddar Broccoli Soup

There’s no secret ingredient in this recipe – fresh broccoli and cheddar cheese are all it takes to make a fabulous soup that works as a snack or a meal.

Ingredients:
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
5 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 pound fresh broccoli, cut into bite-size pieces
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Salt and black pepper, to taste
8 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese

Directions:
1. Heat butter in a large pot over medium-low. Add flour and cook until light brown, whisking to prevent burning, about 7 minutes. Add broth and cream; bring to a boil over high and cook until slightly thickened, 10 minutes, whisking.

2. Add broccoli, onions, garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper; stir well, cover, and cook until softened, 20 to 25 minutes. Add cheese, stir to melt completely, and serve immediately.

More like this: Homemade Soup Recipes.

Cilantro Lime Rice

This Mexican side dish can’t be done any better, even at your standby taco joint! Lots of fresh lime and cilantro make for a rice pilaf that perks up any platter.

Ingredients:
2 cups water
1 cup white rice
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup minced fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon fresh lime zest

Directions:
Place water, rice, butter, and salt in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, cover, and lower to a simmer; cook 15 to 20 minutes, until water is absorbed. Remove from heat; stir in cilantro, lime juice, and zest, and let rest, covered, 5 minutes.

More like this: Lime Recipe.