Broccoli Cheese Soup

Ingredients:

5 cups vegetable or chicken broth or water
1 medium onion, chopped
1 or 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, crushed (optional)
1 - 1 ½ pounds broccoli, cut in big chunks
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tsp dried basil, or 2 tsp fresh (optional)
¼ cup flour
2/3 cup water
1 - 2 cups grated sharp cheddar
1/2 cup heavy cream, Half & Half or milk
1 tsp sugar (optional but it makes the flavour pop)

Directions:

Put the first 8 ingredients (up to and including the basil) in the Instant Pot and close the lid. Make sure the valve is set to Sealing and push Pressure Cook (or Manual). Adjust time with the +/- buttons to 5 minutes.

While it cooks, whisk together the flour and water until completely smooth. When the IP beeps that it's done, flip the valve from Sealing to Venting and when the pin drops, press Cancel and remove the lid.

Use an immersion blender to puree the soup. Or use a blender or food processor and then return it to the pot.

Press Saute and bring it back to a boil, stirring frequently. Give the flour/water slurry a final whisk and pour about half of it in the soup, stirring until it comes back to a boil and thickens. If you want it thicker, add a little more slurry, boiling after each addition.

Press Cancel and add the cheese (add some Parmesan if you like, for an extra kick). Stir until melted and smooth. DO NOT BOIL after cheese goes in. Add the cream/milk and sugar. Taste and add salt and pepper to your liking. Serve with a sprinkle of grated cheese, broccoli florets or croutons.