Even though Spring is coming, it’s definitely not here yet! It’s still pretty chilly and with the wind factored in and all these storms rolling through, who wouldn’t want to sit in front of a fire and eat some nice, warm soup?

Especially when that soup is a comfort food like broccoli cheddar? You might have noticed that broccoli cheddar (especially canned, or commercial varieties) are not exactly good for you; they’re full of fat and not a whole lot of protein. But not this recipe! This is sure to satisfy your comfort-food-cravings, but still keep you on track to reach your goals.

For this, make sure you pick up some Quest Multi Purpose Protein Powder from the CNU Fit store!

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop plus 3 scoops Quest® Multi-Purpose Mix Protein Powder
• 2 teaspoons coconut oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 61⁄4 cups broccoli florets, chopped into half-inch pieces
• Large bowl of ice water
• 1 cup plus 1⁄2 cup fat-free cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 cup light sour cream
• 4 strips turkey bacon, cut into1⁄2 -inch pieces

Directions:

PREP: 15min COOK: 30min

1. In a small pot, heat coconut oil over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic. Sauté for 3 minutes, or until slightly caramelized.
3. Add chicken broth and increase heat to high. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to simmer, and cover for 15 minutes, or until broth has evaporated to half, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
5. Bring 2 cups of water to a rolling boil. Add broccoli and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
6. Drain broccoli and place in ice bath for 2 minutes.
7. Add 3⁄ 4 of the broccoli to a blender, and reserve the rest.
8. Add chicken broth mixture to blender, and process for 10 seconds, or until completely combined.
9. To the blender’s broth mixture, add 1 scoop of the Quest Protein Powder®, 1 cup of cheese, and sour cream.
10. Blend until smooth, then add the remaining 3 scoops Quest Protein Powder®, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next one.
11. Once fully blended, pour soup into serving bowls. Top with remaining broccoli and cheese.
12. In a separate pan, cook turkey bacon to desired crispness.
13. Mince bacon and sprinkle on top of soup. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Info: Yields 10 servings

Calories: 160. Protein: 19g. Fat: 6g. Net Carb: 7g.